“‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me…’” (John 5:7 NIV)
Nowadays, the earth is home to billions of people. Many areas even experience problems due to overpopulation. However, this does not necessarily mean that all people are truly connected to others and have meaningful relationships. Many feel alone, even in crowded areas.
Research shows that “a substantial proportion of the population worldwide experience problematic levels of loneliness.” This is a huge problem. It is even labeled as an “epidemic”, because loneliness has serious consequences. Lonely people often suffer from depression, sleeping problems, stress, and an increased risk of poverty and other social problems. This fits God’s assessment that “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18 NIV).
Loneliness is not a new phenomenon. It already existed in Jesus’ time. In John 5, we read about a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. He lay day in and day out in a public hospital and “had no one to help him.” What sadness these words express! Because of his physical disability, this man was excluded from society. There was no one to keep him company or care for him. Among all the other sick people and passers-by, he was terribly lonely.
Do you know people who are lonely? Do you ever feel lonely yourself? What makes you feel like that?
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10772224/