The Five Pillars of Health – SOCIAL / RELATIONAL

What does it mean to be socially healthy? Social health can be defined as our ability to interact with others and form meaningful connections. These types of relationships help us to feel included and give us a sense of belonging to a community. Healthy, nurturing relationships are harmonious, providing an avenue to share our life experiences, thus decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Sometimes life just gets so busy! In the hustle and bustle of our day to day, it’s easy to overlook the importance of real human connections. Meaningful relationships are detrimental to our overall wellbeing. Scientists believe that social connections are a fundamental human need and equally important as physical health. In fact, pleasure from social interactions registers in our brain similar to physical pleasure.

Human beings are profoundly social from birth.

Have you ever held a newborn and noticed how they analyze your face, and seem to mimic your facial movements? From the moment children are born they instinctively attempt to connect with their caregivers. Babies study adults’ expressions, react to the sound of their voices, even begin to recognize their parents, siblings, and grandparents. God created us for relationship with him and with others, from the moment we take our first breath. He never intended for us to be alone.

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.

Genesis 2:18

What does a healthy relationship look like?

A God centered friendship should be refreshing, uplifting and helpful. Proverbs 27:9 states “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”  In order to form a genuine connection, there must first be shared interests and values. A similar or complementing sense of humor is also helpful. God is a relational God, since we are created in His image, we also have a deep-rooted need for relationships. God desires to know us and be known by us, thus we yearn to know and be known by others.

These types of relationships require effort on both sides and should be mutually beneficial to both parties. Proverbs 27:17 states “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This verse reveals that no one should walk alone, and as we work to better others, we are bettering ourselves. Through our interactions with others, we have the unique opportunity to provide a tangible expression of God’s love!  Regular social engagement helps us cope with daily stress and healthy relationships can provide emotional support when needed.

A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

John 13:34-35

How do I connect with people?

There are many ways to foster healthy social interactions. The first way is to spend time with family and friends in person. Cookouts, game nights, helping with home projects, hiking, and exercising together are a few ways to connect with loved ones. You can also become more involved in your local community; this includes your school, hometown, or church.

Put yourself out there!

Attend local events, join a club or a class, learn a new skill, hobby, or sport, or volunteer to serve your community, school, or church. I know that this is often easier said than done. I personally struggle with social anxiety and a general feeling of awkwardness in social situations. Admittedly, I often drag my husband or children to events to help ease my discomfort.  Despite my best attempts, I have found that there are times that I must engage socially on my own.

We joined MBC in August 2018, and up until that point I had managed to meet just about no one. In a large church, it is shockingly easy to slip in and out without speaking to anyone but the greeters. My need for social interaction became painfully obvious when the Covid 19 pandemic hit. Stuck at home with only my family for company, I began to look for ways to connect with other Christians.

It was then that my husband and I joined an online Real Life group. Once restrictions lifted, I joined Redwoods, where I made some of my strongest connections and friendships within the church. I began attending Mission Women events, and we eventually joined an in person Real Life group. By putting forth the effort, I was able to connect and expand my social circle in a healthy way.

Maybe your schedule makes it difficult to connect in person.  Fortunately, we live in a time when it is easier than ever to connect virtually through social media and zoom. In whatever way you choose to connect, make sure it is in a healthy and positive way that glorifies God, and draws you closer to Him and His family.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you

Philippians 4:8-9

What does Mission Bible Church have to offer for social and relational health?

We are blessed to be part of a church that values and fosters genuine connections. As is stated in our mission statement “We are a community of Christ followers who are committed to being real with God, real with each other, and real in the world.” Mission offers a variety of ways to get plugged in through Real Life Groups, REALity U, and various Affinity Groups which are needs-based ministries such as Grief Share and Divorce Care.  Information about these groups can be found on the Church Center app. There are events offered churchwide and also through Mission Women! We have Bible study groups like Redwoods and Rooted, there are low-key hang outs through our Mission Women Connect ministry, Upper Room prayer and worship nights and more! Be sure to join our email list to receive updates! Lastly, MBC offers many opportunities to volunteer and serve at church, in the community and abroad on mission trips.

As humans we all need healthy relationships and social interactions. No matter who you are or where you come from: you are a part of our family in Christ. You were never meant to walk alone! There is a place at the table, room in the father’s house, and you are part of the body. You belong here!

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit

Ephesians 2:19-22