Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you wanted to speak to them again? Maybe you are looking for something to do, and you decided to join a group to be part of? How about wanting to reach out to that family member who you haven’t spoken to in years?
Whatever the case, we all will have many relationships in our lives. From the lifelong friend to the person you meet for the first time, or the wide range of connections that exist in a family. Even the person who prefers to be that lone wolf and does not want to depend on anyone else still has others they associate with.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be independent, but it is almost impossible these days to do this life alone. There may be times when we want to get away from others to have a moment to be alone. This is different than doing life alone because you still desire a connection to other people most of the time.
Growing up we could have had many friendships. Those we hung with every day, those who were invited to your parties, or you may have even gone with them on their family outings. The connections were on many levels from common interest to just wanting to be around them. We spent time doing things with them.
As we age, those relationships can fall away or remain strong through years to come. We may also meet people from time to time or get a new co-worker who we want to get to know better. Time and interaction are the greatest factors that will govern the continued activity to enhance the nature of that connection.
Even with family we see this happening in many different ways. Some families are large and get together often, while others don’t associate with each other at all. Sometimes distance can play a factor, but I know of families that can live on the same block or even are sitting in the same room and never speak to each other.
No matter the person or the relationship, it all goes back again to time and interaction. If we want to deepen the connection with anyone in our lives we have to put some effort into it. This is what relational equity is. Just as with your financial equity, you have to build a portfolio of savings and real assets by making emotional and trust deposits.
Each time you are present or provide support builds the relationship with that person further. Some of us can get dependent on a specific person or group and turn things one sided. We may need a little extra once in a while, but we cannot be selfish. This can sour a relationship and actually reduce some of the equity we have built.
This can happen with our relationship with the Lord. We can say we are His disciples or even just profess to being a Christian, but it does not show in our actions as when we are complaining or keep asking for that little extra. We need to be thankful for what we have received and pause to listen for His voice.
If we begin with the opening scripture, we see that everything should start with LOVE. Loving our Lord and loving others. This takes away much of the selfish intentions and puts the focus on building that further relational equity. Our third key word in this process is building, in the sense that it does need some work.
Two scriptures that help connect this further are Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” and 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” Bearing burdens, being there, and helping each other to grow. All these are important with any relationship and also with the Lord.
In most cases He is the one bearing our burdens, is walking beside us, and is helping us to be the best version of ourselves. Our response should be to follow His guidance found in His written Word and what we hear that is whispered by His Spirit. We don’t often monitor our actions when it comes to our relationship with God.
Jesus demonstrated all of this with His disciples while He was here on earth. He is our rock and firm foundation as He was for them. He should be our friend as we befriend others and follow some advice from Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” and 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Let us take the time to build our relational equity with not just those around us, but especially with our Lord as well. This will help us grow as His children and also shine His light into the lives of those who are walking in any shadows. Demonstrate that love He taught us with not only those in our circle, but with everyone we meet.
FEEL HIS AFFECTION
We encounter so many people each and every day,
Most of the time it is just in passing with nothing to do or say.
There may be a moment to share a greeting or a chance to meet,
Then the ways are parted and the interaction does not repeat.
From coworkers and the ones you see in a place you have to be,
Some become friends and get more attention to be like family.
The more time and effort you put forth helps the relationship to grow,
With familiarity becoming trust a bond will begin to show.
Even in your family communication cannot be deferred,
Not just being able to speak your mind but allowing the other to be heard.
The one place we cannot be remiss in a relationship,
Is with our Lord and savior and with Him how we fellowship.
We should be talking with Him from the time we rise until bed,
Thankfulness for all received and our needs should never be left unsaid.
When we study from the word it only deepens the connection,
And walking with Him in all we do will let us Feel His Affection.
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