Let's make the most of our relationships
Well, because God in His great love for us, treats us with great generosity and grace. He expects us to do the same and be the same for one another.
It’s very hard to quantify, but it has been said that the “average” American meets as many as or more than 10,000 people in their lifetime. That number can go up or down depending on variables such as geography, personality, and line of work. Celebrities, traveling professionals, and gospel ministers can meet thousands of people every single year.
I made some new acquaintances this past weekend, courtesy of Vanessa hosting a wonderful women’s retreat. Within the walls of the retreat space, I heard these women share their testimonies and life stories. As I heard their reflections of faith and ABOUT the relationships that have shaped their lives, I found myself reflecting on my own associations and contacts. I believe the Holy Spirit prompted the question – “What kind of influence are you having on the folks who know you? What kind of an impact are you making as a husband, father, friend, co-worker, Christian? How about you and Vanessa as a couple – are you simply staying afloat or are you thriving?”
Every day, each of us comes across people FOR whom we can impact their lives for the good. Each day, people can impact our lives with profound measures.
Vanessa’s retreat was such a blessing – seeing women supporting and loving on one another. During one particularly poignant testimony, one of the women was overcome with emotion and two women – who she had just met a day ago – walked up to where she was speaking and physically gave her a shoulder to lean on as she spoke. It was a beautiful sight to behold as these women lived out holy Scripture that says in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
So I challenge myself and I ask you this question – How can we be more engaging and thoughtful with the people we meet today? Why, you may ask? Well, because God in His great love for us, treats us with great generosity and grace. He expects us to do the same and be the same for one another. Check this out: “The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end,” Isaiah 54:10.
It’s hard to fathom but I do hope that we can all grasp the unending love of God for our lives. If we can truly grasp that love, it makes it so much easier for us to “turn the other cheek,” and to be loving to others. Every day, we need to remind ourselves that this awesome God, the creator of the universe, LOVES US. And He anticipates, expects, and commands us to love one another!
Believers, we have to remind ourselves what God thinks about us – not what the world thinks or even what we think of ourselves. He loves us so much – and this will never become cliché – that He sent Jesus to redeem us. He who knew no sin willingly became sin for us!
At Vanessa’s retreat, I was blessed to remind a lady that God’s love for her isn’t going to “grow” any more or diminish any less. She was bemoaning her past, but He knows all about it, I reminded her. I’m so thankful that God's love is not based on anything we do but on WHO HE IS. Who is He? Well, God is love, forgiving, and He accepts us. Romans 15:7 says it this way: "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God."
I don’t know how many people you have met in your life; it could be upwards of thousands. What I pray and hope is this blog reminds us that we have limited time to complete our earthly mission. Whose life will we impact for time and eternity?