Shoji Morimoto was fired in 2018. His boss noted that Shoji lacked initiative and accused him of “not doing anything.” Well, Morimoto turned “not doing anything” into an $80,000 per year job when he began renting himself out to strangers who wanted company for all sorts of events. He has cheered on a marathoner at the finish line, stayed online while a woman cleaned her room, attended concerts and parties with people who don’t want to go alone, and listened to people who are having a bad day. He isn’t just accompanying people who are lonely; he motivates others and gives them courage—in a strength-in-numbers sort of way.

He’s not the only one in Japan who offers this service. Other companies are available for those who want to rent a date, friend, or family member. In a CNBC article, Ai Sakata, consultant at Nomura Research Institute, said, “This is a good match with the recent needs of Japanese people, who do not seek love or marriage, and do not want the hassle of such relationships, but want someone they can casually go on dates with or have dinner with.”

People in the U.S. have a similar concept, just without the financial transaction, and it’s called “body doubling.” With this, someone joins you to help you get or stay focused on a task. You might ask a roommate, family member, coworker, or acquaintance to be with you—in person or online—to keep you motivated, calm you when you’re stressed, offer feedback, and reduce your isolation.

My initial reaction to these news items was mixed.

Part of my heart hurt when I considered that people believe investing in friendships or a relationship is a “hassle.” It’s true that real relationships mean that people are going to challenge your preconceived notions or deeply held beliefs with alternate points of view. There will be moments of awkwardness, discomfort, and frustration when you let others into your life. But there’s also joy, love, laughs, and comfort—and that makes it worth it.

The other part of my heart was grateful for the people who step up to body double. My daughter, whose job is fully remote, frequently body doubles with a coworker. They log on to Google Teams, work concurrently—sometimes quietly, sometimes chatting—which is exactly how it works for my in-person coworkers and me.

Then I actually got excited by the two stories. After all, this means there’s a world full of people who want companionship. For people who love Jesus, this is an amazing opportunity. When we see the people around us who might feel lonely—who might want companionship, encouragement, and support—we get to step up and serve. We can offer to go to a doctor’s appointment, work on their house projects, make meals, go for a walk, or invite them to a game. We can let them know that they aren’t a hassle but that they are chosen, loved, and valuable. When we do that, God uses us to fulfill his promise that he sets the lonely in families.

And the best part is that we get to let others know that Jesus is the ultimate body double. He took on a human body to walk among us. Then when he died, rose, and went back to heaven, he promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). As a bonus, he sent the Holy Spirit to live inside us, to remind us that we are never, ever alone.

Linda Buxa is a writer and speaker who wouldn’t mind getting paid $80,000 a year just to hang out with people.