So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.
(1 Corinthians 14.12
NRSV)
Recent research has indicated that those persons who attend church are less likely to be ill over time than those who do not attend church. I don't know what that says to you. Possibly, it says something about a life of discipline. Perhaps it says something about avoiding self-destructive habits. My guess is, though, that it says the most about our need for one another.
Revealing studies have been done on depressed people. Depressed people want to be alone. Should we let them be? Not if we want them to improve. There is something about being with others that lifts our spirits. We need genuine fellowship. The church serves two vital functions in the world, and the first is to put us in touch with one another. We need one another--particularly when life caves in on us. The church also serves to help us experience and know God’s love for each one of us. The church is vital to our well-being.
God of love, thank you for your church that keeps me healthy. Amen.