Tag: Relationships

Drawing Near

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Journal Entry // March 26, 2022

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.

Luke 15:1 ESV

Am I offended by this statement as the leaders and teachers were when Jesus was ministering among the people? Mentally, I ascent to this statement and fully endorse the compassion and sensitivity that Jesus was showing to the crowds and understand that the lost and hurting were drawn to him because of his compassion and love. In practice, I am not so sure that I live out this same compassion and love toward sinners and those in need. Are those in need of Jesus drawn to me and my life? Am I putting myself in situations and opportunities to be around those who are vulnerable and in need? I know that I want to be this person that so models the life of Christ and the Spirit flowing out of me that the hurting are drawn to me. Yet, I feel I am lacking in this area of ministry. I am slow to leave my comfort areas that continue to give me a false sense of security.

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Heart Benefit

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Journal Entry // October 26, 2021

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Philemon 20 ESV

What benefit from the Lord do I provide to those around me? If a survey was taken of all my relationships, would the consensus be that their heart was refreshed in Christ through me? Is there a pattern of giving out of myself by serving, loving, and caring for those that the Lord has placed in my path? Do I need someone to confront me like Paul has done in this passage? How would I respond to this confrontation from Paul? How can I refresh the heart of another, when I myself have a heart in need of refreshment?

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Relational Gentleness

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Journal Entry // October 25, 2021

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, [2] to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Titus 3:1-2 ESV

Paul’s final reminder to the people under the care and shepherding of Titus was focused on their relationships with everyone. The command to love your neighbor does not require an in depth study to determine who is my neighbor for everyone is my neighbor. Paul is reminding us that to love our neighbor we will see these general characteristics being developed and utilized in our lives: submissive, obedient, ready for good works, speech, avoiding quarrel, gentle, and courtesy.

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