It's been well over a month since I posted in this little box. I've tried a couple times, but my mind, heart and fingers didn't all seem on the same page. Even today I find that questions swirl around...
We are called to lay down our lives for one another. Jesus was the model. There doesn't seem to be room in the kingdom for the surface relationships/acquaintances most Americans experience. So...
Why is it that we can't count on a system to care for the relational needs of individuals? Is it because some of the most meaningful friendships happen seemingly by accident?
What does Jesus desire to see in our relationships? How do we create an environment in North American churches that allow community to happen as Jesus desires?
Can true community exist in a world run by consumerism?
How should hospitality to the outcast be integrated into relationship building? How can we regularly break out of comfort zones?
My questions go on and on, as I'm sure your's do...What are your relational musings and questions?
One thing I know for sure, the answers are rooted in the person, the life, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let's ride the ride together...
4 comments:
It is definitely hard for me to really be selfless and vulnerable and all those other things it takes to truly live in close relationship with others. It takes trust, which is a problem for me. It takes giving up my agenda at times, which is a struggle, too. I find that I do well for awhile then I fall back into my old habits. This culture and our human nature are quite strong. The thing that I'm trying to focus on now is my attitude. It's not enough for me to do "the right things". They only last awhile. I need to be doing the right things with an attitude of love. I'm only at the beginning and have such a long way to go, but God's not finished with me yet. And God doesn't give up on us.
Vic, I am sitting here once again trying to comment on your post. It is a tough thing for me to think about. You know that I am struggling very much with these same questions and more. I guess my very vague sort of answer would be, as Amy said, the attitude in which you do things. How can you go wrong doing things with love? I believe that is the key. Give lovingly, live lovingly, do for others with a loving heart, be loving in our relationships.....etc. etc.
I know that is jut a very light answer or thought to a very deep line of questioning. I guess I just think back to when Jesus was here. I cannot imagine him questioning, as we do, relationships, community, fellowship. I think about why that is...and it is because he is perfect and his love is perfect and he just lived it, and loved beyond anything that we can imagine.
Does that make any sense???
prs&als and seeking more,
Thanks for your input. The love/vulnerability connection definitely speaks to me.
I thought a lot about vulnerability around the time of my surgery last month. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, it was hard to put my body in the hands of surgeons and anesthesiologists, nurses...
The realization that Jesus chose vulnerability - motivated by great love boggles my mind. I tend to run from pain. I rarely seek out discomfort...and I am thankful that he does not give up on us!
Interesting to know.
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