“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'” (Genesis 2:18 NIV)

From the beginning of time, we have been created not to be alone. We are designed to be together. This last couple of years, the COVID-19 restrictions have significantly increased the situations where we have been forced to be apart.

As a result, there have been many reports of increased mental health problems, particularly among young people who have been unable to mix with their peers in normal ways, such as in-school learning. Many senior citizens have suffered because family and friends have been prevented from making usual visits to them.

At the peak of the Omicron spread, two of my male friends were prohibited from visiting their wives in hospital because of the fear of contagion.

With the challenges preventing us from being together, what can we do in a positive way?

First, I can work harder at being a friend to anyone with whom I am able to interact. This may be in-person, or by mail, by telephone, electronically, or by any other possible means. There is an old saying, “To have a friend, one must be friendly.”

While I want to be friends to all, in any way possible, I must remember the cautions set out clearly in the Bible. Being together always involves at least two people. Sometimes, I may be the stronger person, and sometimes, the weaker. In different situations, the roles may be reversed.

But in a good relationship, we should always be helping each other.

However, Paul cautions us:

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV)

Our ability to be together positively has always presented challenges. From the first stories of two brothers, Cain and Abel, fighting, to interchanges between nations and peoples over the years until the present time, when the current pandemic has brought new difficulties that we have not previously experienced, there have been difficulties in fulfilling God’s design.

In every situation, the assurance of success comes with the presence of the silent partner — the Lord Jesus Christ — showing His love through us.

He planned that we should live together. So, we must work diligently every day, despite obstacles such as the current pandemic, to live together in a positive, helpful manner.

Prayer: Dear Father, we have been experiencing particularly challenging times during this pandemic when we are forced to be apart more than usual. Help us each to avail ourselves of the helpful yoke offered by Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2022, by Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission