We Grow Better Together

However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. - 1 Corinthians 11:11

I, for one, am always amused by those who claim their utter independence from others. They say things like, "I don't need anyone or anything from anybody." Or, "I'm self-sufficient." While such thoughts might assuage a person's ungodly fear of relationships, they are lies that can keep a Christ-follower from experiencing what God intends to provide through biblical fellowship.

We need each other.

Men need brothers. Women need sisters. We all need both. Is it sometimes hard to get along? Sure it is, but in overlooking faults we must each exercise the grace we have undeservingly received. In pointing out these same faults, we must appropriate the truth that makes us more like Jesus. Independence, our freedom in Christ, gives us the opportunity to choose life together, not apart. Painfully and joyfully, we grow better together.

A friend is what the heart needs all the time. - Henry Van Dyke