Day 2: CONNECTING WITH OTHERS: PART 1 OF 3
In his book titled Connecting, author Larry Crabb writes that in order to relationally connect with others, we need to:
- Accept who we are.
- Envision who we could be.
In other words, when we fully accept that we are God’s and that He truly delights in us, and when we’re able to envision who God has made us to be, it is then that we can truly be on our way to connecting with others in meaningful ways.
Another equally important truth about connecting with others is this: We can only love others as much as we love ourselves.
Think about that for just a minute. How much do you love yourself? Not in a a self-esteem or self-centered way, but how much do you like and appreciate who you are? Put it on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being extreme appreciation for yourself.
Guess what? You can’t love, like or fully appreciate others any more than you love, like or appreciate yourself. Not your spouse. Not your kids. Not your roommate. Not anyone.
As you read today, consider this: Is a lack of self-love preventing you from being able to love others? If so, what steps can you take to more fully accept who you are, and envision who you could be?
READING:
Is a lack of self-love preventing you from being able to love others? If so, what steps can you take to more fully accept who you are, and envision who you could be?
Remind yourself of the truths from Week #1. You were created by God, in the image of God, for the glory of God. How can these truths help you better connect with others?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Job 40-42
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess there are aspects of myself I don’t like very much. And more often than not, I find myself noticing my own flaws more than remembering that I was created by You. Today, my desire is to remember every minute of every hour that I have been beautifully and wonderfully made. As this truth continues to rest deep within me, help me to see that others I interact with on a regular basis have also been beautifully and wonderfully made. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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