Welcome back! If you missed the first entry, be sure to check it out. Today, we dive deeper into the significance of connection and belonging in God’s creation plan.
Verse of Scripture
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” — Genesis 2:18, 23 NRSV
Reflection
Man was given the task of naming the animals. In the Ancient Near East, the act of bestowing a name was significant, as naming was connected to a being’s very essence. After naming all the creatures God had made, thus bestowing great value upon them, God saw that there was no being that corresponded to Man. This was not a statement on an inherent deficiency in Man; all that God had made was good. Rather, it indicated an absence. For Man to fully become what God intended, a partner—someone who corresponded to him—was needed.
This is confirmed when Woman was created from Man’s own flesh. “Finally!” Man exclaims, “One who is of the same essence as me.” There is joy in knowing that, while God had provided all that Man needed, he now had a relationship in which he could truly belong.
From the very beginning of human interaction, belonging entails relationship. Alongside the command to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, there is a call to love our neighbor as ourselves. Wholeness comes only when humanity is in relationship with God, with others, and with all of God’s creation.
Question for Thought
Why do you think God designed humanity to seek connection and belonging?
How do you experience wholeness in your relationship with God and with others?
What steps can you take to make your relationships with God and others a greater priority?
Prayer Prompt
God, thank you for giving me communities that I can be a part of. Thank you for allowing me to be in a relationship with you and with others.
Continued Scripture Reading
Genesis 2
Austin Donahoo is the Senior Advocacy Specialist for World Relief Upstate SC. In his role, he aims to educate church and community leaders about the biblical call to love their neighbors well and how they can fulfill this calling in tangible ways. He has a degree in Christian Ministry from North Greenville University and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family and staying involved in his local church. Austin loves specialty coffee, books, and Chick-fil-A. He is passionate about Christian theology, advocacy, and public policy.