Created for Connection
From the moment we are born, humans are created to connect. To fully understand this, I think it is important to look to both Scripture (the basis of all truth) and how science reflects this truth.
First, it is important to start with how humans are uniquely created. Above all other species and things created, humans are uniquely designed in that we are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’” Verse 27 goes on to say, “ So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.” Nothing else created on this earth or in the heavens was created to reflect the image of God the way men and women are. To break these verses down further, it is important to look at the “we/us” language used by God himself. This is one of the first instances of seeing a nod to the Triune God— one God with three distinct, yet inseparable persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). God himself exists in perfect community and unity with himself. As the creation narrative is further explored moving into chapter 2 of Genesis, we see a more in depth look at God creating man. One of the only things in all of God’s creation that he claims is “not good” is man being alone (even though man is living in connection and relationship with God).
What we can glean from these verses and the creation narrative is this: men and women are uniquely created in the image of God, who himself exists in community and connection with himself, and man is created for connection both with God and with other humans.
Of course, these connections become severed in the next chapter of Genesis though.
Genesis 3 is one of the most heartbreaking chapters in the Bible. It is where sin enters into paradise and the consequences are devastating and deadly. As sin enters the picture, humanity’s relationship with God is severed. The man and woman’s relationship becomes contentious. Man’s relationship with the world and work becomes full of strife. Shame, sorrow, sickness, death, destruction comes and takes over. Everything from this point on is impacted by sin and the death.. not just physical death but spiritual and relational.
But God, being rich in love and mercy, knew and had a plan for our redemption. The rest of Scripture is the story of the effects of sin and brokenness in the world and how God provides a way and a hope for reconciliation with Him and renewed relationships with others. He sent us his son, to live a perfect life, be killed for our sins, and brought back to life for our redemption and hope, to break down the dividing wall of hostility between us and God and allow for us to be reconciled to God and enter into the ministry of reconciliation, as 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 tells us. As we enter into relationship with Jesus, we get to slowly see heaven come to earth, God’s kingdom come to life, and human relationships restored.
Beyond Scripture, neuroscience and psychology shows us a reflection of these truths. One powerful example of this is found in what are called mirror neurons—a type of brain cell discovered in the 1990s that help explain how deeply we are wired for connection. These neurons activate not only when we perform an action, but also when we observe someone else doing the same thing. In other words, when you see someone smile, your brain begins to mirror that smile internally, even if you don't physically respond. The same happens when we witness another person in pain, joy, or distress—our brains light up in ways that reflect their experience.
This is more than just a biological reaction; it’s evidence of how God has designed us for empathy, attunement, and shared experience. Mirror neurons help us understand what others are feeling, making it possible to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). They also form the foundation for attachment, trust, and emotional safety—key components of healthy relationships and healing.
Through these neurons, we see a glimpse of the Imago Dei in action: that we were created not only for relationship, but with the capacity to deeply understand and connect with others. It is yet another example of how God’s design—both spiritually and biologically—reflects His desire for wholeness, unity, and love among His people.
In fact, mirror neurons are just one example of how our brains reflect God's design for connection. Another powerful lens that echoes this truth is attachment theory.
Attachment theory is based on the idea that for human flourishing and thriving to take place—from cradle to grave—we are created to experience safety and connection with trusted others. This secure base allows us to feel confident enough to explore, grow, and take healthy risks. This is sometimes referred to as the dependency paradox—that the more we are able to depend on and lean into safe, supportive relationships, the more independent and resilient we actually become. We flourish in freedom because we know we are tethered to love.
We even see this reflected in our brain’s design. From infancy, mirror neurons help us attune to our caregivers, allowing us to sense and reflect their emotions, form emotional bonds, and begin to understand ourselves in the context of another’s gaze. These relational patterns lay the groundwork for how we experience connection, safety, and worth throughout life.
Unfortunately, much of our modern culture—even within Christian communities—pulls us in the opposite direction. We are often encouraged to adopt a hyper-independent mindset, believing that needing others is a sign of weakness. Some even claim that they don’t need the Church to have a relationship with God or that they don’t need God to have healthy, thriving relationships with others.
But this goes against both how we were created and what we see throughout Scripture. One of my favorite things to explore and share is how science and Scripture don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they often tell the same story in different languages. All truth is God’s truth. And we know—from both God’s Word and from the research in neuroscience and psychology—that living in isolation and disconnection from God and others is harmful to our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health.
But the good news is this: we are not stuck in disconnection. Through Christ, we are invited back into relationship—with God, with ourselves, and with others. As we step into safe, healing relationships and learn to attune and be attuned to, we reflect the very image of a relational, loving God. Whether in therapy, community, or spiritual formation, every step toward connection is a step toward wholeness.
