For the most part, I am a people person. Not an extrovert by any stretch of the imagination. Just one who loves and enjoys the people around me. My son tells me, I am a relational person.
People matter to me. I enjoy relationships which make me think deeper, laugh till my sides hurt and help me to grow, to change into more of what I am supposed to be.
And therein, lies the challenge because relationships can bring joy but they can also bring pain.
As hard as I try at times to withdraw, to keep myself from yet another hurt or disappointment, I long for relationships.
We try to convince ourselves, maybe even to the point of belief, we can navigate life on our own. Our walls go up, our hearts can harden ever so slightly, as we tell ourselves not to be concerned about those around us.
Until we meet the One Person in our life who removes the protective shell … Jesus.
Jesus, fully God and fully Man. He had relationships while on this earth which brought Him to all the same experiences we would in this life.
He knew the love of a mother, and the pain separation would bring, as He hung on the Cross.
He knew the fun of siblings, and the challenges of family relationships.
He knew the importance of community and accountability, and the deep loss of denial and rejection.
He knew the joy of friendships, and felt the tears of friends.
Let’s learn from the compassion of Jesus:
- He helped others find their way. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NLT)
- He fed the hungry, taking care of practical needs. “The Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” (Matthew 15:32, NLT)
- He came alongside of those mourning. “When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.” (Luke 7:13, NLT)
- He wept with His friends. “Then Jesus wept.” (John 11:35, NLT)
Our hearts will remain unchanged,
until we meet
Jesus.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Women With Intention and Wedded Wednesday .
Joanne, It sounds like you have had your share of hurts in relationships. I don’t think we can escape it if we truly give ourselves to others. I love that you find value in the risk … and the hurt … in following Christ’s example to love completely. It’s a challenge! But one that’s worth it. Visiting from #TellHisStory.
Dianne, I think we all experience some hurt in relationships. And yes, I have truly found the risk is worth the challenge. He uses everything in our lives to change us & this is truly what makes it all valuable. Grateful you stopped here!
I like the idea of being a “relational” person – makes me think about how it’s not the quantity of people we surround ourselves with but the quality of people. Your words also encourage me to be that kind of friend to others. I want to love my people like Jesus does. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Kristin, it is so true the quality of those around us is more critical to our well being than the number of people around us. And like you, I want to love my family & friends well. Always grateful to join you!
“And therein, lies the challenge because relationships can bring joy but they can also bring pain.” Amen. The pain part got too much for me years ago and I completely withdrew from people. I love the picture of Eeyore and Tigger. I can so relate. I was Eeyore and Jesus was my Tigger. He came into my life and made me open up and let people in again. Beautiful and important words here, Joanne!
Candace, like you, I have tried to withdraw from people. But then I find I miss the richness of what others can bring to life. So glad our paths have crossed 🙂