Britain has been called the loneliest country in Europe. I find that strange. We live closer together than ever, with more ways to connect than any generation before us. And yet so many of us feel alone.
This week, I have been sitting with a question. Why does loneliness hurt so much?
The answer, I think, starts right at the beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 1, God says, “let us make human beings in our image.” That little word “us” has puzzled scholars for centuries. Who was God talking to? The answer points us to something beautiful: God himself has never been alone. Father, Son, and Spirit have always existed in community, in relationship, in love. And because we are made in that image, we were built the same way. Connection is not a bonus extra to a good life. It is woven into who we are.
Key takeaway: loneliness is not a personal failure. It is a sign that something we were designed for is missing. The good news is that God invites us back into connection, first with him, and then with each other.
If you have felt that ache of loneliness lately, even surrounded by people, I would love for you to watch the full sermon. We talk about why a quick coffee after church is not enough, why the modern world quietly pulls us apart, and why something as simple as a small group might be the answer you have been looking for.
Sunday Rewind - each week I share a sermon from the Battle Ready Sermons archive. My role has shifted to training the next generation of Salvation Army officers at William Booth College, so I’m no longer preaching every Sunday, but God’s word doesn’t go out of date. These messages are here to encourage, challenge, and point you to Jesus, whenever you need them.
This week’s sermon was originally preached 18 July 2021.
Watch the full sermon here:
What is one small step you could take this week to connect with someone? I would love to hear from you in the comments.