Humans Need Humans

I became a believer in Jesus Christ at the age of five. I wasn't coerced, following the crowd, or run by emotion. In fact, I invited him to be Lord of my life in my mother's bedroom. I didn't tell anyone for some time and I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I accepted Him with the faith of a child. I was so excited about this new relationship that I asked Him to "come into my heart" everyday until I told my mother what I had done and I was assured that He wasn't going anywhere. What a relief I felt knowing that He would always be there, and wouldn't leave simply because I failed in some way.

I was a pleaser growing up. I tried to do the right things, I got good grades in school, and I didn't go to parties where I would be forced to make choices I didn't want to make. I didn't do these things simply to please others, but because I wanted to like myself. I wasn't perfect, of course. I made mistakes, some of which I still remember with regret. Since I became a Christian at such a young age, most of growing in my faith has taken place as an adult. I've had my share of heartaches, loneliness, doubt, and complacency. I have wondered where God is and allowed myself to go down roads I shouldn't, either in thought or action. During these times I yearned for people, women of the faith, with whom to share my need. I have a few friends, and you know who we are, who have been the perfect balance of truth and love. It has made me think about the qualities that we as Christians need in each other. Not only Christians, but a world looking for an answer:

1.  Those who speak the truth in love. We don't need someone to tell us what we need to hear, but we need someone who loves us enough to not condemn before we begin. We as Christians can often create an air of perfection that is difficult to relate to. We quote scripture, we tell people the black and white, but we don't take the time to love. We need to stand on truth, now more than ever. We can't be conspirators in sin. However, we must be like Jesus. He did not cater or excuse sin, yet sinners were drawn to Him. Why? Because He loved. He loved them as they were and they became better just by being in His presence.

2.  Those who know there is a story behind the struggle. There is often more to the struggle than what is obvious on the surface. Christians don't just need reminders of right and wrong. They already know. The world does not understand, nor necessarily care, what it should do. I have found, particularly through my job, that we cannot make a judgment by a surface relationship. It is easy to judge what someone has done, but until we know their story, we don't understand the struggle. Sin almost always is borne by struggle, and it rarely takes root in an instant.

3. Those who are willing to take the time to get to know another person. How many times as believers do we say that we will pray for each other when someone expresses a struggle? We say we will pray, and then we don't follow up. I have been guilty of that, too. It is the easy way and doesn't require much effort from us. We as humans long for companionship. We long for people to know us deeply and care about our inward beings. We want to love and be loved. Too many people live without that sense of belonging. When people feel accepted and cared for, they are more willing to share their struggles before they take root.

I desire to be that woman that loves deeply, at the cost of my own comfort and time. I want the world to see Jesus in more than just my words. I want people to be better just by experiencing Christ in my life, and knowing that someone cares about them. God, let it be so. More of you, less of me.