This week we got to have a lecture on “Relationships,” presented by Luigi and Paola Tommasi. They did an awesome job with their two days of teaching. Here are some of my favorite key points:
+ John 13:34 ”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Loving our fellow man can sometimes seem like an incredible obstacle when we think of those around us as a crowd of strangers. What’s the solution? Start by simply loving the person in front of you. One by one, we can love each other.
+ Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
God has created everyone uniquely in His image. Let us be grateful that we are all so different and not merely boring copies of one another.
+ Also, ask yourself — What is my love/relationship language?
— Loving words: you enjoy offering encouraging words to others
— Thoughtful presents: you show your love and concern for others with thoughtful cards, gifts, foods
— Physical affection: hugs and kisses for everyone
— Quality time: you are willing to share your time and spirit with others to listen to them and engage in fun activities of their choosing
— Kind action: you are always willing to help and serve others before yourself
Find out for yourself which two actions describe you best. Ask your friends and family what their love language is. For those who desire lots of physical affection, find a hug buddy. If your dad craves verbal encouragement, pay the guy a compliment and let him know he’s doing a good job. Give your mom a helping hand and wash the dishes. Spend some quality time with your best friend and go see that movie she can’t stop talking about. Give your wife the gift of a nice dinner, far away from her own kitchen.
As Romans 12:10 says — Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
When we show our love for one another, we are not only praising each other, but also the amazing God who created us. Amen.
— Rachel (November 5, 2009)
