The people you know…the ones who are encouraging and the ones who suck the life out of you…can all help us love God more and show His love more. Kelli tells us how…

Scripture

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Matthew 22:37-39

Reflect

Hard ones. Easy ones.  Fun ones. Sad ones. Life-giving ones. Exhausting ones. Deep ones. Surface ones. Long-time ones. New ones.  It sounds like something from Dr. Seuss, but all of these describe relationships.

They come in all shapes and sizes.  By definition, they are all the same: a connection, an association, an involvement.  They are relationships

God is about relationships.  He knew we would get busy with life so with these simple words, “Love God, Love One Another”, God reminded us of the two most important relationships to take care of.  

In fact, He is so serious about relationships He set the ultimate standard … His Son’s life was given so WE could have a relationship with Him, forever.  While some relationships we hope last forever, some feel like a slow death. Either way, we need to be intentional with each of them. 

How we, as Christ-followers, interact with one another is a reflection of Christ. So let’s reflect Him well.

1. Take Note.  Pay attention to who is in your everyday life.  I am amazed at how many people I see daily and don’t know there name much less the story of their life.  When I do take time to know them a bit, I am not only fascinated by who they are but blessed for knowing them.
2. Take Time.  Clear out a bit of your schedule to purposefully build relationships.  Assign one lunch a week to go with someone.   Set aside one evening a week to have another family over for dinner.  Don’t rush off from the game, grocery store, meeting … take a few moments to visit and know people.  How will they know the God in us if we don’t know them?  It will take a little time.
3. Take Care. Often a relationship can be started, fostered and strengthened by meeting physical needs.  Taking care of a pet, providing a meal, lending a listening ear are all tangible ways to be the hearts and hands of Jesus in a relationship.

Deep relationships, when we are known and known well, are a lifeline for us. These people see and love us through our good days and ugly days.  They are needed.  Relationships that are “just” acquaintances are equally important, so don’t dismiss those! Both types of relationships can reflect the eternal and intentional relationship Jesus has with us.  What an honor to show His love for all of us and share His truth through the way we interact with others.

Camper Corner

Think of the person in your life you trust the most.  What is it about them that allows you to be yourself around them?   Are you that kind of friend for them or someone else?

Now think about the person you know “a little” but not too well.  How can you get to know them a little bit more next time you see them?