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If you know me you know I LOVE Marvel movies. Well, recently I watched the new Spider-Man movie called Spider-Man: Brand New Day with my husband (Spider-Man is my favorite superhero, so your girl had to see it). The movie had the premise of Peter Parker isolating himself after the whole world was cast under a spell to forget that Peter Parker was Spider-Man and really that Peter Parker even existed. He decides to not tell his old friends, Ned and MJ, that he used to know them and that he is Spider-Man to keep them safe and away from any harm that may come from knowing his secret. So instead, he decides to keep to himself and remain alone.
Now, I won’t spoil anything from the movie, but I think we often tend to do what Peter Parker has done. Sometimes we can isolate ourselves because it’s easier. Life is easier when we’re alone. Life is easier when no one knows our secrets or things we are ashamed or scared to admit. At least that’s what the enemy wants us to believe. But the Bible has a much better way of living for us and for Peter Parker.
James 5:16 starts by saying, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” The Bible encourages us to be in community. Talk with each other. Confess sins to one another so that we can be healed from our sins.
Have you ever held a secret or sin so close to your chest that it hurt? But then maybe you talked to someone. Maybe it was a friend, spouse, or a family member who was there for you. Who listened to you, encouraged you, or made you feel loved. Well, that is exactly what we are supposed to do! We need people or even just one person who is truly there for us. Who will help us when we desperately need it.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” Peter Parker doesn’t have anyone to help him up. He thinks it’s just better that way. But we are not meant to walk this life alone. Not you. Not me. Not even Spider-Man. God loves when people gather in His name. How amazing is that? Our God LOVES it when we get together! Friendships or relationships rooted in Him have incredible power to do so much for His kingdom.
So let this be a reminder to you and me to find those relationships. Find your people who are rooting for YOU. Find people who are cheering you on when you’re winning in life, and are there to comfort you when you feel like you’re losing. Because we may not be fighting the Green Goblin or Thanos like Spider-Man, but we are fighting a bigger battle. A spiritual one. And just like Peter Parker, we are not meant to fight any battles alone.