At the dawn of human history, God declared, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). The Psalms also affirm that God, out of pure goodness, "sets the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6). It doesn't matter whether we happen to be blood relatives or friends or marriage partners or members of a local church family, God binds us to one another in loving, covenantal relationships. Unlike contracts - which are typically based on mutual benefit and can be dissolved when terms are no longer favorable - covenants are rooted in faithfulness, self-giving love, and enduring commitment. Only within these types of committed relationships can we fully experience the love and challenge and growth that God intends for us!