[Monday's Devotional] - The lonely self!

A recent survey showed that in the past 40 years there has been a dramatic rise in those living alone, and in the age group 25-44 the percentage of people living alone has gone up fivefold (from 2% to 10%) since 1971.  Relationship breakdown is a major factor in this shift – in 1971 92% of families with children were headed by a married or cohabiting couple – in 2011 this had decreased to 78%.  Relationships are under greater strain than ever before.

The passage below from 1 Corinthians 13 is most commonly heard as a reading in the wedding service.  However, it is applicable to all relationships and is a model for the way we should treat those in our families:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 [NIV]

Unfortunately work stress, financial hardship, alcoholism, gambling addiction and many other issues put a strain on relationships and the ideals of love are hard to maintain.

Pray for those who are in starting out in marriage, for those in difficult times, for those who are separated or divorced, for those living alone through choice or circumstance.

Heavenly Father, help those who are living alone for whatever reason.  Bless those who are suffering the pain of separation and divorce, and protect those who are living in relationship with each other.  We pray for an outpouring of your love, in Jesus name. Amen.

Dave MacLellan