4: When Alone - Discussion Starters

An Epidemic of Loneliness. “Nothing has been right since then,” our authors note, referring to the crash in Eden that tore the first building blocks to a happy home in pieces. Whether married or single, part of a friendly congregation or isolated in loneliness, all of us reflect to some degree or other the consequences of sin on fellowship and friendship in the world today. Share with your classmates what you have learned by walking with Jesus about surviving in this world alone and lonely.
Companionship. Seven decades ago, as a girl child on the other side of the age of twelve, I lived in a small family with a brother four years older than I and another brother seven years younger, plus Mom and Dad. All three of us youngsters always had close friends outside the family. With those “best friends,” we’d walk to and from school together, play games from catch to jacks to jump rope, and explain what we knew–or thought we knew–about what was going on around us. We’d bring our best friends home with us when we had permission and carried on with the games and fun of companionship. We learned that God created Adam and Eve to be companions, and we knew what that meant. We also knew what it was like to be lonely. In college, I coped with a form of loneliness I’d never experienced before. And it stuck with me. Have you ever known someone to whom companionship has seemed out of reach? As a church, what can we do to help lonely, unattached women and men understand their role in the realm of companionship?
The Unmarried Life. Like many women I’ve met through the years, I recognized the great value of marriage but didn’t pursue a married life. Are people with such a perspective aware that God can use them in many ways to draw people closer to Jesus?? Through the Scriptures, I have “met” many unmarried prophets and religious leaders throughout Bible history: Ezekiel and Jeremiah for example. God is shown throughout history as someone who could work with single persons to accomplish a work for Him. In many ways, the unmarried life, perhaps especially for women, gives the unmarried church member opportunity to go to the world as a missionary. In an unmarried state, the child of God can often more readily fulfill that ambition. “But,” I’ve been told, “God made man and women to live a married. life.” Yes of course, He did. But didn’t He also make room in His plans for His coming again even for unmarried people to be totally dedicated to the proclaiming the gospel of Christ? What support can we give to unmarried women with the talent, interest, and capability of preparing for full service in Christ’s name?
When a marriage ends. The family often suffers and feels torn to pieces when Mom and Dad decide they can continue together no longer. Our lesson author suggests that divorce is next to death as a huge difficulty a family suffers. The two who see their marriage crumble before them are probably damaged more than anyone else by the divorce that ushers in a horrendous experience for both parties to the separation. Not always, of course, if the marriage was rough and brought hardship to those involved. In that case, seeing it end may bring a spirit of acceptance and calm. In any case, would you say that divorce is a product of sin and the consequences of selfishness? How can you and I reach out to those who are stricken by a broken marriage? Is there a need in your church community for members to join hands in building a strong foundation for marriage?
Your assignment. This week’s lesson ends with a call to action to reduce the sickening impact of divorce and separation in your church. Why not set up a program to combat loneliness in your church with the following resources. Discuss how each of these could become a powerful blessing in your church:
1. Programs of orientation for couples engaged to be married
2. Programs of instruction for married couples with their families
3. Programs of support for broken families and divorced individuals

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4: When Alone – Discussion Starters

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