“Let love be your highest goal!”
1 Corinthians 14.1 NLT
“Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone — especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10 NLT
Day 16 of 40: Loving one another is our primary responsibility in the family of God… and it isn’t easy.
For me, it’s challenge enough to love the people that I like. We all have our quirks and peculiarities that require some kindness and accommodation. And with people I like, it’s worth the effort… and, truthfully, it’s not that hard because I want to make the relationship work.
But with the ones I don’t like – the people I try to avoid when I see them headed my way – that’s another story.
Warren says that God gives us difficult, demanding people to test us. Trust me on this… I’ve been tested. And I’ve probably failed more often than I’ve passed. My preference has been to ignore them, or walk away… but neither approach did much to resolve our differences.
(Sometimes I was accused of “not listening.” But my real offense was “not obeying” – I wouldn’t do what they wanted me to do. I think that I understood perfectly well their point of view, I just didn’t agree with them. But I digress.)
Life looks a lot different from “pew-side.” Resolving conflicts with/between staff and parishioners is no longer my responsibility. As a parishioner myself, I have the freedom to associate with whomever I choose, and my service is on a volunteer basis… so most of the relational tension is removed. It’s similar to the difference between confiscatory taxation and charitable giving – one breeds resentment, the other generates joy.
Warren makes the point –
“God wants you to be in regular, close fellowship with other believers so you can develop the skill of loving. Loving cannot be learned in isolation.”
That is, of course, true… but it doesn’t come naturally to me. I am perfectly happy with my inner circle of three – Barbara, me and “Miss Josie.” And I love and enjoy the next relational circle – my kids and grand kids… particularly since I don’t have to deal with all the day-to-day drama. But beyond them… it takes a conscious effort on my part.
My best relational experiences, over the years, have been in small groups – all kinds and shapes. We took the time to get to know one another, we listened and laughed together, we prayed for each other, and supported each other through difficult times.
Every once in a while a small group fell apart because confidences were revealed. Some people are gossips and some are mean spirited – and I found that out the hard way. Sharing needs to be appropriate and trust is built over time.
But, overall, it has been worth the effort. And here I am… at it again.
The Peanut Gallery 