Is there such a thing as a solo Christian?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible shows that people are, by nature, relational. Jesus calls His followers "friends" (John 15:15) and invites us into relationship with Him (Revelation 3:20). In fact, Jesus indicates that abiding in God leads to loving others (John 15:1–17). Scripture teaches that we are meant to be in relationship with one another. God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone and made Eve as a companion (Genesis 2:18–25). In Christ, we become children of God (John 1:12). Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17). The greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:34–40). Jesus said His followers would be known by their love for one another (John 13:34–35). The Bible teaches that Christians are members of a spiritual family, referred to as one body (1 Corinthians 12:12–31) and as brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:1–3; Romans 8:15–17; Luke 8:21). The Christian life is most fully lived in relationship with other believers.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 2:18 shows that God did not create human beings to be alone: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Luke 8:20–21, Jesus indicates that believers become part of the larger Christian family: “And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.’ But he answered them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’”
• In 2 Corinthians 1:7, Paul writes to believers in Corinth, “Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” Christians are part of a community of believers who support each other.
• The encouragement we receive from fellow believers is another reason not to be a solo Christian. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Life would be easy if not for other people—at least that’s what we think sometimes. Like the elderly uncle who comments on your weight gain at family functions, some people don’t motivate us to be near them. But God never intended us to be solo Christians. When we accept Christ as Lord, we join a family of believers (Luke 8:20–21). Rather than viewing fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters as an obligation, we should consider it one of God’s most precious gifts. Besides, the Lord often uses our relationships to sanctify us, helping us learn forgiveness, humility, or exposing us to positive examples. Also, serving and loving well is only possible within relationships. Other Christians can help us develop knowledge and insight about God, keep us accountable, and encourage us. As Christians, we are members of a spiritual family. We are, in a sense, given to one another. In relationship with other believers, the Christian life is most fully lived.

UNDERSTAND

• A Christian is called to live in community with God and others, not as a solo Christian.
• The Bible teaches believers are part of a spiritual family, supporting and encouraging each other.
• Fellowship with others helps believers grow, love, and stay accountable.

REFLECT

• How does being part of a Christian community help you grow in your faith?
• When and how have you experienced the benefits of living in community with other believers?
• How can you actively contribute to the spiritual family you are part of?

ENGAGE

• What do we learn about God in the way He created us as believers to live relationally with others?
• How does God use relationships with other believers to sanctify and grow us?
• What are some of the difficulties that arise in prioritizing relationships as a Christian, and why is it worth the effort despite the difficulty?