A famous British writer leaving Liverpool by ship noticed that other passengers were waving to friends on the dock. He rushed down to the dock and stopped a little boy. “Would you wave to me if I paid you?” he asked the lad. The boy agreed. The writer rushed back on board and leaned over the rail, glad for someone to wave to. And sure enough, there was the boy waving back to him!

A foolish story? Perhaps—but it reminds us that man hates loneliness. All of us want to be wanted.

The life that is real helps to solve the basic problem of loneliness. Christians can have genuine fellowship with God and with one another. Jesus promised, “Lo, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). In his first letter John explains the secret of fellowship with God and with other Christians. This is the first purpose John mentions for the writing of his letter—the sharing of his experience of eternal life.

The Bible says: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Consider also: 1 John 1:3, Philippians 2:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25.

Action assignment: Do you know anyone in the body of Christ who is lonely? Show the love of Christ to that person today through a special visit, phone call, or note.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in