Connecting Point: God & Nature - What is a Loving Relationship?

Once upon a time, Americans agreed that to THRIVE every individual went the short route by identifying what we longed for and what we craved. It was agreeable and married people, especially married old couples, learned the secrets and they were precious. Christian marriage had been proved. It wasn’t something to argue over,

Why was this? Well, from conception to early years, a mother and father slaved and sacrificed everything for their children. Why? For what? For food, shelter, clothing, and, yes, for love. Today, it’s still clear, we are wired for relationships.

Biblically, Christians still point to the New Testament: Acts 2:42-47: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” What wonderful reading the Bible provides.

Please understand that Christian generosity is not socialism. No one should be forced to be “generous.” Christianity at its core is much about generosity, and all are personally free to give as they see. It is between the individual and God.

Josh McDowell, author and speaker, states, “You were created in the image of a relational God who said it’s not good for man to be alone.” Josh identifies seven basic longings people share. Appreciation: to be thanked and encouraged by what you have done. Affection: to be cared for with a gentle touch or emotional engagement. Access: to have the consistent emotional and physical presence

of key figures. Attention: to be known and understood by someone entering your world. Affirmation of Feelings: to have feelings affirmed, validated, or confirmed by others. Acceptance: to be included, loved, and appreciated as you are, no matter what. Assurance of Safety: to feel safe, protected, and provided for

emotionally, physically, and financially. (From the Free to Thrive study).

These specific longings of course are to be guided by Biblical teaching, after all, God’s Word provides many standards for our lives to have healthy and vibrant relationships. Romans 15:7 establishes a foundational approach, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to praise God.” Through Jesus Christ, we are rescued out of the mire, our sin and disobedience, but we are

given the greatest gift of all grace through salvation. God loves us unconditionally, but he doesn’t desire for us to stay stuck in the mire, so our lives are transformed as we follow him.

When we practice generous grace with others, we love like God does. A dear lady shared with me recently that she had a friend who struggled with alcoholism for many years. She loved her friend and did not abandon her in the struggle. “Accepting my friend didn’t mean I accepted her addiction, I loved her despite the alcoholism. In time, my friend changed, and she was free.”

Identifying our basic needs is a helpful step in the right direction to thriving as we follow Jesus. Show and speak words of appreciation to those around you. Use gentle affection in your relationships that is pure and respectable. Be a consistent presence in other people’s lives and give them undivided attention. Affirm and accept others within the guidelines of Scripture. Be someone who is safe to be

around, never taking advantage of someone emotionally, physically, sexually.

Let’s strive to be like Jesus.