- Intimacy is a misunderstood word in modern culture. Authentic intimacy is being known without barriers. In the garden of Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve. They were naked and unashamed. When they sinned, they hid behind bushes, thinking God would not see them. Even in their sin God made provision for their protection. In our sin, we hide ourselves from God as well. We are afraid of what God would think of us, “if he really knew us.” What we need to understand is that God knows us and still loves us. We are known by God and accepted because of Christ’s work on our behalf. Am I “hiding” from God? How can I thank God for loving me even though I have sinned?
- “LORD, you have searched me and known me.” – Psalm 139:1
- For us to be known by others, we must be willing to drop our own walls and let others in. We can find ourselves separated from communion with others by work, school, activities and kids. All of these things can be wonderful expressions of God’s gifts to us, but can also become convenient excuses to remain apart. You cannot be known if you are not present. Relationships cannot be forced and require time and commitment. Are there things in my life I need to reprioritize in order to develop deeper relationships with those in the church? Am I part of a consistent small group of believers that seek to grow closer?
- “So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.” – Romans 12:26-27
- We are called to be light and salt to the world. Our mission is to reach into the dark places with the light of the gospel and show those apart from God a new life in Him. We cannot do this isolated in our homes and churches. We must seek to know those we come in contact with in our neighborhoods, communities,
workplaces and schools. When we step into these unchurched places, we reflect the love of God. When we are seen by those in the world, they should see the love we have for each other and for them. Judgment is reserved for the Lord. We cannot expect those who don’t know Christ to act like Christians. In the same
way we are loved by God, we should show love to everyone we can. Who needs to see the love of Christ through me today? How is my attitude towards non-believers?- “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
For further study:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This “love” passage should guide our interactions with each other. As we get to know each other, love should be the defining trait.
Prayer focus for the week:
Pray for children heading back to school today and the teachers that serve them.