There are many challenges that come from being a single parent. Between constantly making decisions for your children, managing a household and staying on top of your family’s finances, being a single mom can feel like an endless string of responsibilities.
But what often goes unseen is the weight of loneliness that can come with it.
As believers, we’re created to live in community with others — and having close relationships with other Christian adults is vitally important for single parents.
Here are some reasons why living in community is critical for single moms, and how you can cultivate these types of close relationships for yourself.
This article is #7 of a 10-part series designed to give single moms actionable tips to help you navigate single parenthood with more patience, gentleness and grace. If you missed the first article, you can read it here.
Why community?
In chapter 7 of the book, The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make, the authors Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells outline what community is and why it’s important for single mothers to live in one with other Believers. In fact, they describe church members as being part of the same “spiritual family.”
While participating in a church community with other Christians, we can live out Biblical truths like:
- Loving one another as Jesus loves us (John 13:34).
- Honoring one another above ourselves (Romans 12:10).
- Greeting one another (1 Corinthians 16:20).
- Encouraging one another (2 Corinthians 13:11).
By choosing to live in community with other Christians, you can more easily act out the calling God has placed on each Believer’s life.
How Community Helps Single Moms
As a single mom, carrying everything on your own can quickly become overwhelming, and oftentimes impossible. When you have a community of believers around you, you gain a support system that can help share both the practical and emotional responsibilities of parenting. This kind of support can look like:
- Pick up your children from school.
- Take them to practice and performances.
- Support your children’s emotional and social needs.
- Guide your children and support them with their spiritual growth.
When a trusted community comes alongside you as a single parent, it creates a more stable, nurturing environment where both you and your children can thrive.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Having a community is essential for single parents. Be intentional about participating in a church community with other Christians
ACTIVITY
Teach your children to develop an attitude of gratitude by playing Build a Blessing Burger. This fun game inspires your children to reflect on the blessings God has given them.
Find this game and more now in the Everyday Moments™ activities collection!
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
- Where is God already giving you community? Ask Him to show you where He wants you to plug in and build new relationships.
- What is one way you can connect with someone in your community today?
KEY VERSE
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” ~John 13:34 (NLT)
PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Please connect my family with like-minded Believers. In Your Son Jesus’ precious name, amen.
