It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life.  John 6:63

American psychologist, William James once said, “The most fiendish punishment for a person to endure is to be part of a group and not be recognized.” The effect of being alive, yet isolated and totally ignored is beyond imagination. Rather than dwell on that horrible position and destiny, let’s start this 2022 year by relying on what God has said.

The Bible says in John 15:16 that Almighty God doesn’t ignore but actually chooses people (you and me). The Father of Creation chooses you and me to be born of His Spirit and to become His child or part of His eternal family. In faith, we are free to live for Him (now and forever) and be led by His Holy Spirit. His Son, Jesus Christ, by the act of His sacrifice on the cross, resurrection, and forgiveness of our sins, sets us free (not to do our own thing anymore) but to believe in and receive Him as our loving Liberator.

Keeping our balance in all this, even though we are chosen and saved by God, we still fall short sometimes and sin. If we confess our sins, however, He is faithful and just to forgive us because He knows our weaknesses and will never give up on us. We are being developed by Him forever!!

So family and friends, even if and when we are alone — in Christ — we are never lonely. Our Lord and Savior loves us loyally and everlastingly; that’s right, God, the lover of our soul doesn’t ignore us. Our amazing oneness in Him is intimate, comforting, and in the exact opposite direction from where fiendish isolation will take us!

Heb 13:5; Eph 1:4; John 1:3; Romans 8:1; Phil 1:6; Romans 5:8; 1John 1:9