Good day
In the previous message I mentioned that if the purpose behind what we do is all about people, then how we relate to others and the value we place on our relationship with them becomes very important.
We also took a look at the value God places on having a relationship with us and the lengths that He's prepared to go to to make that happen. I then flipped the question around and asked what value we place on the relationships in our lives, with an encouragement to love and treat others the same way God loves and treats us.
Today I'd like to build on that message by sharing a few brief points about how we can connect more effectively with those around us:
Take the initiative.
Be genuinely interested in other people.
Learn to become conversational. Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Ask questions about their family, job, hobbies, etc.
Be a good listener.
Always listen and show respect for the other person's opinion.
Don't be critical or judgemental of others.
Be ready to ask for forgiveness and seek reconciliation, even when it wasn't your fault.
Be willing to associate with people from all walks of life.
Put yourself in the other person's shoes and try to understand where they're coming from.
Wherever possible, try to agree with someone's point of view. When a person raises an objection and you agree with them, you will take the "wind out of their sails". Not only have you avoided an argument but the relationship remains intact. In these instances, it's more important to maintain the relationship with someone rather than arguing with them, wanting to be right, and in the process, break the relationship with that person and lose the opportunity of introducing them to Christ.
Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
... Always remember that the purpose behind doing what we do is all about people, so if my assignment is centred around people, then learning to love them, accept them, connect with them and taking an interest in them becomes the key focus/agenda/motive and mindset with which I now choose to interact and relate with those around me.
Therefore as we go about our day to day activities, there may be people all around us, people that we frequently walk past, maybe we've never really noticed some of them, maybe even took it for granted that we'll just see them again the next day or next week ... or maybe there's people we encounter that we're familiar with, where our interaction is limited to a greet, a wave, a handshake and then we'll be on our way ... never really taking the next step in finding out more about them, where they're from, where they work, about their families, etc. ... Let's trust God by asking Him to help us in this area and giving us the boldness to implement some of the practical steps mentioned above so that we can take an interest in those around us and connect with them - Because it's through these interactions that we build friendships, which creates an opportunity for God to work through us to encourage them, pray with them, invite them to church and introduce them to Christ
... this all starts by taking an interest in those around us.
Amen
Please also see below scriptures:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Amen
Please also see below scriptures:
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.