Relationships

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. (1 John 2:7-10 ESV). We saw the importance of relationship to Christ for our journey yesterday; today we see the importance of relationship to one another. John is very specific as he describes the fundamental principle of loving one another in our reading. In fact, you can’t be “in the light” and hate another. The word “hate” is a very strong word. Most of us don’t have a problem with “hatred.” In our “civilized culture” we have minimized the way we treat strangers while paying close attention to those who think and act as we do. Our exclusivity has become the new expression of hate. However, rather than dwell on that, I want us to look at a few suggestions to expand our “circle” of human relationships. Let me make some suggestions:  Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting. I frequent Walgreens for my prescriptions often enough that most of the employees know me by name. Even if that weren’t true though, I always get the same greeting when I enter the store: “Hi, welcome to Walgreens.” I know they are required to do that; but, I also know that my reply is always met with a little surprise. I always say, “Thanks. Hope your day is going well.” Small things often mean much.  Smile at people. It’s a small thing, but makes and incredible difference. A smile is the most infectious of all communicable “diseases.” I sure wish more people would come down with this one!  Be friendly and helpful. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is genuinely a pleasure, and if it isn't, learn to make it so.  Be generous with praise, cautious with criticism. Even though you can always find something to criticize, look for something to praise.  Be alert to serve. What counts most in life is what we do for others. There are so many little things in life that can mean so much to others. Opening the door for others to walk through first; helping people do the little things they must do. These things are a small thing to most of us, but make a huge difference in the lives of others. Try these each day and see if your journey doesn’t become much easier to travel.