21st May 2026

I recently read an article that articulated the concerns many mental health professionals have over A1 chatbots acting as companions to people who are relating to them as friends. It’s a bit worrying – chatbots are programmed to be agreeable and not to test our beliefs, and they are not therapists. Talking to your dog is one thing, but considering a chatbot to be human is another. But sadly there are so many lonely people in the world in want of companionship.

I turned the page and on the other side was a short article summing up the findings of a study that found that doing most things is more enjoyable, if we have company – human company. It was started by a researcher observing a trend in the States for reading parties, where strangers gather to read their own books, quietly together. So the researchers examined other activities such as reading, exercising, shopping, housework – in all they looked at eighty pursuits and jobs and found they were all rated more enjoyable when they were done alongside others. Those two articles together highlight our crying need for companionship and friendship.

God made it clear from the start that he did not intend us to be isolated from each other.  Solitude is contrary to human well-being. There may, of course, be many unavoidable reasons why we are without companionship, or human company, and there is no criticism in that. There is also a time to be alone, to recharge our batteries, either physically or spiritually.

If we are unable to have many connections with others, regardless of our circumstances, those who belong to Christ have ‘fellowship…with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ’ (1 John 1:3). And before his death, Jesus promised ‘…I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—’ (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit provides guidance, comfort, and companionship to us, ensuring we are never alone throughout our lives, and our spiritual journeys.

Local congregation:
Grace Communion in Lewes
The House of Friendship
208 High Street
Lewes
BN7 2NS

Meeting time:
Sunday 11:00 am 

Local congregational contact:
Hilary Buck
Email:  lewes@gracecom.church
Like us on www.facebook.com/Grace Communion Lewes 

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church