Longing for Connection (Part II)

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In his book titled Connecting, Larry Crabb outlines three key ingredients which are essential when it comes to healthy, sustainable relationships with others.

Ingredient #1: A taste of Christ delighting in us. For many, it’s difficult to truly delight in somebody else without first receiving the delight Christ has for us. We are so different from Him, yet He delights in us. Receiving His delight regularly helps us to delight in others who are not like us. 

Ingredient #2: A diligent search for what is good. It takes tremendous mental energy to focus on what is good in another person, especially when the bad is fully on display. However, Crabb notes, “We become hardened when people react to our ugliness with inquisitiveness or rebuke. But when a friend meets our meanness with kindness, something better often comes out of us.”

Ingredient #3: An engaging exposure of what is bad or painful. “Exposing the darkness in someone’s heart, their sin and pain, in order to engage them more convincingly with the Savior’s kindness; it’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance.”

READING & PRAYERS:

     ACTS 2:42-47 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: The three ingredients provided in today’s reading are listed in order. In what ways may God be inviting you to delight in and seek the good within others, before exposing what is bad or painful? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Consider reading Connecting: Healing Ourselves and Our Relationships by Larry Crabb and putting the principles within into regular practice.

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the three ingredients for healthy, sustainable relationships listed in today’s devotional reading all make practical sense to me. Forgive me for the times when I go directly to ingredient #3, and help me to forgive others for the times they have gone directly to #3 in my own life. Lead me down the path of truly delighting in others, and always seeking to identify what is good within them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)