Christians who become lonelier as they get older have usually forgotten these 7 teachings from the Bible

Growing up, I was often told, “A man of many companions comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

This biblical wisdom served as a gentle reminder that having strong, lasting friendships is just as, if not more important than having many fleeting ones.

But let’s face it.

As we age, the hustle and bustle of life can make it harder to maintain these connections. Even the most devout Christians can find themselves feeling increasingly isolated and alone.

Yet, here’s a thought.

What if this growing loneliness has less to do with our circumstances and more to do with forgetting certain teachings from the Bible?

Stay with me now.

In this article, we’ll delve into those forgotten biblical teachings that could be the key to combating loneliness in our later years.

We’ll explore how reconnecting with these values can help us forge deeper connections and cultivate lasting friendships.

So if you ever find yourself asking, “How can I feel less lonely as a Christian?” you might find your answers right here.

1) Love thy neighbor

Remember this golden rule?

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This isn’t just a nice sentiment, but a fundamental teaching from the Bible.

But hold on a minute.

As we grow older, our neighborhoods often change. We move houses, our neighbors move, and sometimes we end up feeling like strangers in our own community.

Here’s the catch.

When this happens, it’s easy to forget this basic principle. We tend to become more insular, focusing on our own problems and forgetting about those around us.

However, the Bible teaches us to maintain an outward focus. To show love and kindness to those around us, regardless of how well we know them or how often we interact with them.

So next time you feel lonely, remember this teaching. Reach out to a neighbor, engage in a friendly chat or lend them a helping hand. You might be surprised at how much this simple act can alleviate feelings of loneliness.

2) Fellowship and community

Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Growing up, I remember my parents taking me to church every Sunday. It wasn’t just about the service, it was also about the community. Those potluck lunches, the charity drives, the choir practices – they were all opportunities to bond with others.

But here’s what happened.

As I got older, life got busier and those church visits became less frequent. And with that, I started to feel a sense of isolation creeping in.

Sound familiar?

It was then I realized how important those teachings from Hebrews 10:24-25 were: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

The church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a place of fellowship and community. It’s about being part of a group that shares common beliefs and values, and supports each other.

Consider reconnecting with your church or religious community. Attend a service, join a group, or volunteer for an event. It might just help you feel more connected again.

3) Embracing vulnerability

I’ve got a confession to make.

There were times when I felt so alone that I thought no one could possibly understand what I was going through. I would put on a brave face, pretend everything was fine, all the while feeling a profound sense of loneliness.

Does this ring a bell?

Here’s where we often get it wrong as Christians. We’re told to “be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10), and sometimes we misconstrue this to mean that we should always seem unflappable, stoic, even invulnerable.

But let’s pause for a moment.

The Bible also teaches us that there’s strength in vulnerability. Remember when Paul said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10)?

It’s about acknowledging our struggles, our fears, our loneliness. It’s about opening up to others, allowing them to see our vulnerabilities, and giving them a chance to offer comfort and companionship.

So if you’re feeling alone, don’t hide it. Reach out, open up, let others in. You may find that in your vulnerability lies the strength to combat loneliness.

4) Practicing forgiveness

Have you ever held a grudge?

I sure have. It’s easy to hold onto past hurts, to let resentment build and create a wall between us and the people we once called friends.

But here’s the kicker.

This doesn’t just harm the person we’re unable to forgive, it harms us too. It isolates us, fills us with negative energy, and can make us feel even lonelier.

Yet, the Bible teaches us something different.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Forgiveness can be tough, I get it. But it’s also liberating. It allows us to let go of past hurts and open ourselves up to new connections.

Perhaps, it’s time to revisit old wounds and consider forgiveness. It might just be the key to breaking down those walls of loneliness.

5) Prayer and connection

Do you know that prayer is actually a form of communication?

Sure, we usually think of it as talking to God, seeking guidance, or expressing gratitude. But it’s more than that.

Prayer, at its core, is a connection. It’s a direct line to the divine, an intimate conversation with our creator.

And here’s something you might not have considered.

When we pray, we’re never truly alone. We’re sharing our thoughts, our fears, our hopes with God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

There’s comfort in knowing that someone, somewhere is listening. That we’re understood and loved unconditionally.

So next time loneliness strikes, remember to pray. Not out of obligation or routine, but as a genuine attempt to connect. You might find it offers the companionship you’ve been seeking.

6) Being there for others

We all have those days, don’t we?

Days when we feel alone, lost, disconnected. It’s a part of life that can sometimes seem inescapable.

But here’s a thought to ponder.

The Bible teaches us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). This isn’t just about empathy. It’s about reaching out and being there for others in their times of joy and sorrow.

And truth be told, it’s in these acts of kindness that we often find our own loneliness dissipating. When we step outside ourselves to comfort or celebrate with another, we’re reminded of our shared humanity.

Reach out to someone else who might be feeling the same way. Lend an ear, a shoulder, a helping hand. You might just find that in comforting others, you comfort yourself too.

7) Remembering God’s presence

At the heart of all this, there’s one teaching that we must never forget.

God is with us. Always.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

God’s presence in our lives is a constant. No matter how alone we may feel, we are never truly alone. God is there, listening, understanding, comforting.

So hold onto this truth. Embrace it. Let it be a beacon of hope in those moments of loneliness.

You are never alone.

Final reflections

If you’ve found yourself nodding along as you read this, take heart. It’s not about condemnation, but enlightenment.

Loneliness can creep in unnoticed, but the teachings of the Bible provide us with a roadmap to navigate these moments of solitude.

By recalling these teachings – loving our neighbors, seeking fellowship, embracing vulnerability, practicing forgiveness, praying and connecting with God, being there for others and remembering God’s ever-present love – we have the tools to combat loneliness.

Embrace these principles not out of obligation or habit, but as a part of your authentic self. As you do, pay attention to the shifts in your interactions and relationships.

This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a journey.

Give yourself grace as you navigate this path. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. And remember, in those moments when you feel alone, reach out to God who promised: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

In this shared journey of life and faith, let’s support one another to not only remember but live out these teachings that connect us with God and each other. In doing so, we may find that we are far less alone than we thought.