The Loneliness of Chronic Illness

Loneliness. Isolation. Misunderstanding. These three things are standard fare for the chronically ill. For long periods, if I am not ill or weak myself, I may have to avoid crowds or others who are ill. No matter what is planned, there is no guarantee that health will allow. The result is loneliness, isolation, and misunderstanding as others don't understand last minute cancellations.

What do we do with these challenges of chronic illness? What is a Biblical response? Here are just a few ways of serving.

• James 2:23 - See the time as an opportunity to pursue Christ! Times of weakness are times to pray, study, and sing.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 - Make fellowship and worship with other believers a priority even if these things have to be done remotely due to health challenges. If at all possible, attend church, even if you must come late/leave early. Do what you can to attend. The fellowship with other believers is imperative.
• Romans 12:10 - Pursue ways to show love to the family of God. Invite others to your home even when your home is not clean. Reach out by card, email, or text. It is important to be pouring into others as much as you can.

For those who are friends of the chronically ill:

• Be patient and understanding.
• Do not take cancellations personally.
• Continue to invite them to things even after many cancellations.
• Advise your friends anyone attending is ill. Illnesses are much more difficult for the chronically ill to overcome. They need the option of attending or not with the illness.
• Speak truth. Isolation and loneliness can lead to selfishness. Lovingly address this when lead by God.
• And yet, encourage without judgment.

Friendship makes such a difference in the life of the chronically ill. Consider:

• Proverbs 17:17; 29:9; 27:17
• Ecclesiastes 4:10
• Romans 12:10, 15:7
• Galatians 5:13
• Ephesians 4:2, 32; 5:19
• Colossians 3:13, 16
• 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11
• Hebrews 3:13
• 1 Peter 4:9-11, 5:14
• 1 John 3:11, 4:7

As we love each other and pursue Christ's love, the loneliness, isolation, and misunderstanding in the life of the chronically ill can be used of God to produce fruit.