Make the First Move
In a world where we often hesitate to take the first step in building relationships, the idea of making the first move can be daunting. We fear vulnerability, embarrassment, and awkwardness. Whether it's in our daily lives, workplaces, communities, or even within the walls of our church, we tend to expect others to come to us. We assume that people will approach us.
But what if we told you that Jesus had a different plan? He sent his disciples to go to their neighbors, not the other way around. The essence of reaching out to people is a vital aspect of our faith. We're not here to convert; we're here to love - to love God and love our neighbors.
Loving Our Neighbors: A Disciple's Mission
The church has sometimes misunderstood its mission. We're not in the business of conversions; we're in the business of love. Disciples make other disciples through love, not arguments. We can't convince someone to love Jesus through manipulation or coercion. Love doesn't work that way. Love is something we share, something we experience, and something we live.
Sharing Our Experiences
Think about sharing your experiences, much like when you return from an amazing vacation, and you can't wait to tell everyone about it, subjecting them to your vacation pictures because it was so amazing. You have to share it. Or think about sharing a funny story about how you met someone special. We share our experiences with others to build connections and friendships. This is what it means to be in a relationship with someone.
Listening and Trust
Our words become trustworthy when we've demonstrated care and authenticity in our relationships. We should strive to be good listeners who don't rush to respond but take in the information shared by others. Spiritual conversations should be marked by care, consideration, and authenticity.
Nurturing Spiritual Conversations
Recent research shows that people who have no faith (referred to as "nones") often have faith conversations with Christians. However, they want certain characteristics in these conversations. They seek individuals who demonstrate interest in their stories, are aware of their own inconsistencies, have experienced struggles, and are interested in them, even if they are not Christians. Most importantly, they do not want to be forced into a conclusion but instead want honest, judgment-free conversations.
The Power of Awkwardness
Being awkward is part of the charm. It's a sign that the interaction is real. People appreciate authenticity over perfection. So, don't be afraid to make the first move, even if it feels a bit awkward. We're all a little awkward at times, and that's perfectly okay.
Empowered by Jesus
When we engage with the Holy Spirit and immerse ourselves in the teachings of Jesus, we begin to see our neighbors through His eyes. We start recognizing the neighbors who need our attention and care. Jesus equips us with everything we need for this mission. We don't need to have everything figured out; we just need to step toward those in need of love and kindness.
Loving our neighbors is not a burden; it's a beautiful invitation from our Lord. It's about taking the first step and embracing this mission. So, let's begin with prayer, be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and, most importantly, take that first step. Remember, you have everything you need to love your neighbors, for Jesus is all that you need. Let's step towards our neighbors in kindness and love, drawing them closer to the life-transforming power of Jesus.