Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 17, 2014
To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Titus 1:4
Relational investments compound into eternity. Yes, loving people takes time, effort and perseverance, but the dividends pay off handsomely. For example, we can regularly read a children’s bible to our little one and not see immediate character change, but hopefully over time they will accept the Scripture as God’s wisdom and love letter to them personally. Or, our efforts to encourage a friend may be frustrating, but at least they know we love them unconditionally.
Who needs your intentional attention in this season of life? A co-worker? A relative? A neighbor? Relational involvement is messy, so ask the Lord for His grace, patience and forgiveness to fill your soul. Go the extra third and fourth mile to serve, even if someone takes advantage of your good will. Better to take the risk to love than to hide your affections from a hurting heart. If you receive a cold shoulder for your care, keep a warm heart. Love is the best relational investment.
A new command I [Jesus] give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
We love like Jesus when we share our life with people. We eat together, we travel together, we worship together, we pray together, we study the Bible together, we work together, we play together, we laugh together and we cry together. Perhaps there is someone who needs to live in our home for a defined period of time. They understand their exit strategy after six months and they agree to abide by the ground rules of mutual respect, church attendance and doing chores. Our home is an incubator for relational development. An open home opens hearts to Jesus.
Furthermore, a solid relational investment plan requires a focus on faith. Equip another teachable soul in the tenets of trusting God. Pray with them, discuss the Bible with them, share your struggles with them and talk of the Lord’s faithfulness in your life. Or, you may facilitate a book club with a few friends, join a small group from your church or take a mission trip. Have a mutual fund of diverse friendships and you will never go relationally broke. Be grateful and give more than you receive in all relationships. Your relational investments will grow into true riches! Learn from a relational hero of mine Dan Glaze… http://bit.ly/KkUJQz
We cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me who I need to invest my life in with love and service for Your sake.
Related Readings: Genesis 13:8; Luke 16:11; Acts 2:44-45; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Peter 1:22
Post/Tweet today: Invest in a mutual fund of diverse friendships and you will never go relationally broke. #relationalinvestmentplan
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I never realized until I didn’t have one just how much having a job kept a person invested in relationships. Of course, that can be good or bad, as that is not the primary purpose for which you are paid. But relationships are definitely a byproduct of working and contribute to the dignity of a person.