Something More from the Sermon | Better Together
We weren’t meant to do life alone.
Literally.
As humans, we are biologically wired for social connection.
You may have heard of the chemical in your brain called oxytocin. It is often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin’s main responsibility is to assist with childbirth.
Recent research shows us that positive social interaction also helps facilitate the release of oxytocin. This chemical has been linked with relaxation and overall psychological stability. It also helps to build trust and loyalty.
On the contrary, low levels of oxytocin have been linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In other words, we need friends. And not just any friends, but friends who have positive impacts on our lives.
This is the first ‘problem’ to be solved in the library of Scripture. After God created humanity, he said “It is not good for man to be alone.” So, he fashions for him a helper to be his counterpart.
From here, one of the major subtexts of scripture is its communal aspect. The people of God are meant to do the things of God together.
From my perspective, it seems that Christianity has put the wrong idea to the personal aspect of our relationship with God. In many cases, we have taken personal to mean private. But I don’t think this is the best way. It may be better to think of personal as unique. In other words, my faith was never meant to be private, but I do relate to God differently than you do.
And here’s the best part, when we bring those unique experiences of God together, we are more able to see the many different ways God chooses to love us and reveal himself to us.
If you missed the message last week, catch it here!