Pastor Izzy from Courageous Church recently chatted to Leah and Dan about the power of connection. Read what he had to say below.

In the beginning, God created everything, the heavens, the earth, the animals. Each time, He called it good. Then He made humans and said they were good too.

But in Genesis 2:18, God said something wasn’t good: “It is not good for man to be alone.”

The one thing God saw as not good was isolation. That truth still holds today.

The Reality of Loneliness

Modern research backs up what the Bible said thousands of years ago.

  • In 2022, 1 in 6 Australians experienced emotional loneliness.
  • 1 in 10 lacked social support.
  • Nearly 1.5 million people had been lonely for over a decade.
  • A Stanford study found that socially isolated older adults had a 31% higher risk of early death.

Loneliness isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous. It’s linked to poor mental health, depression, anxiety, addiction, and even suicide. Connection is vital for survival.

Connection Goes Both Ways

We all know that connection doesn’t just happen. “I can want to connect with you as much as I want, but if there’s no reciprocation, connection won’t happen.”

It’s not always easy. Relationships can be challenging whether with family, friends, or church communities. But we all have a role to play in building connections.

Here’s how:

1. Recognise the Value of Connection

The first step is realising that isolation isn’t how we’re meant to live. Even introverts need meaningful relationships. “You’re not going to be the life of the party, but find a way to be around people in a way that feels safe.”

2. Develop a Good Chin

In boxing, having a “good chin” means you can take a hit. Relationships can be the same. “People will offend you. You will get hurt. But if you want to stay connected, you have to develop a good chin.”

That doesn’t mean ignoring pain. Sometimes stepping back to heal is necessary. But staying in isolation too long is dangerous. True healing comes when we move back toward community.

3. Be Brave

It takes courage to be vulnerable. “We can put up walls to protect ourselves, but those same walls keep us trapped.”

Being open with others isn’t easy, especially after being hurt. But connection requires risk. It’s how we were designed to live.

A Word for Someone Today

If you’ve been hurt and pulled away from people, don’t stay in isolation. Healing comes through reconnecting. “The danger is staying in isolation. Health is moving back toward community and investing again.”

That could be the encouragement someone needs today. You’re not meant to be alone. Take that step. Connection is worth it.

Listen to the full message below.