For the next four to five weeks, we will be talking about what God has been teaching us. For me, God has been teaching me what true Christian relationships or friendships should look like. In fact, he has really been speaking to my whole family through a book called “So You Don’t Want to go to Church Anymore?”
You see, it is so easy to talk to the people at church, in your home school group, in your neighborhood, or even in your own family about things that don’t really matter - things like the weather, how to win at a game, politics, or sports. But when was the last time that I talked about something that really mattered? When was the last time I talked with my friend at church about what I am struggling with? When was the last time I asked my fellow homeschoolers what I could pray for them about?
God has really been showing me that I need to try to get to know people better and let them get to know me; even though that means that we will see the imperfect side of one another. God has called us as Christians to love one another so much that the others in the world notice our love and want to be in on that, and we can’t show that kind of love or get to know each other by talking about movies, current events, or the weather. We have to talk about real things, like what we are learning, what we are struggling with, and how we are hurting.
The path to real and authentic relationships is not easy. In fact, it is hard and sometimes painful. People will hurt and disappoint you, but that doesn’t mean we should give up! I don’t have all the answers, but I hope that, with God’s help, I can form strong and lasting relationships with some of my fellow sisters in Christ. Will you join me on this quest for real relationships?
6 comments:
Good post, Sarah :) Having good relationships with the people we love is so important!
That was a wonderful post Sarah! =:D And that is something that we all struggle in. It's hard to be real and open yourself up like that. I will take on your challenge and try to get to know others better and let them know me better! =:)
Blessings and Hugs!
~Rachel~
What a wonderful post Sarah! It is so important for us to get beyond the usual "How was your week?" and "What have you been up to lately?" questions. For some reason, they are always answered with some beating around the bush answer. Just kind of a "yeah, things are fine." kind of attitude. We need to be opened about ourselves and also be willing to ask tough questions and listen to the answers. Maybe asking if their is something they need prayed for will brighten up their day. Or maybe it will just be the feeling that they can talk to you in hard times when other people make them feel that they just don't care. Whatever the reason, we definitely need to be showing the care and concern that Jesus showed so many times for the people around him.
What a great challenge!
God Bless,
Jessica
That's a great post. I think godly relationships and the type of things you were writing about in this post are not preached about, written about, and talked about to christians as much as it should be. Thanks for posting!
LocaChica
Wonderful Post, Sarah!
You are so right about all the casual 'chatting' that goes on before & after church, and othe situations... we don't discuss meaningful or important things even half as much as we should!
Also I am so thankful to God that He is blessing me with several real-life (as in non-internet) friends with whom I can share the 'real me'. :)
Blessings!
Julia
Great post!!
I totally agree! At the bible camp I go to every summer for a week.
The directors encourage us campers to form these kind of relationships with each and form a community. It's wonderful!
What you said about how we just talk about stuff that really doesn't matter, it makes me think of a song by casting crowns called "Stained Glass Masquerade". The song talks about how people hide there problems and act as if every things okay. When we christians should talk about our problems........
I can't wait to read more on this subject =)
~Marissa
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