“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”— Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
People are not meant to be alone or tough out life alone. Read Genesis, where God took a look at Adam and pronounced, “It is not good that man should be alone.” So God provided Adam with a companion.
It is reasonable to assume that God intends for all of us to go through life with companions: spouses, family, friends, and certainly brothers and sisters in the faith. Without these people in our lives, we will never completely understand all that God has for us.
The true depth of understanding comes when our hearts are bound together in love. A mere intellectual understanding of Jesus will not fully reveal God’s mystery. Much of what God desires for us to know—the “hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge”—comes from the love we give to one another and the maturing that occurs as we learn to deny ourselves and care for others.
Love teaches us the “riches of understanding.” We cannot pursue knowledge of God in willful isolation. A complete understanding of the mystery of God comes with being part of a loving community of believers.
If you are attempting to live your life without fellowship, I encourage you to seek out companions who share your faith, and who can encourage you, love you, and with whom you can share the mysteries and knowledge of God.
Being able to talk to others about your faith, your struggles, and your victories will bless and encourage you. That is what God intended!
