Love in Our Circles

How did loving in our homes go last week? I will be honest, as soon as I committed myself to this challenge I found it instantly more difficult to want to choose being patient, offering my time or loving sacrificially. It was like obstacles were immediately dropped in my path, emotions were messier and my patience was gone. Not that I thought it would be easy, but I wasn't prepared for the resistance I would face. However, I found as a I kept pursuing it the more natural it became. Slowly, I started noticing ways I could be more selfless in situations. Instead of it being a "cost" I became excited about the ways I could pour into them. I noticed myself being quicker to ask for forgiveness when my words weren't as loving or kind. If this is a difference a week can make in the atmosphere of my home, I can't wait to how it continues to grow.

Speaking of let's get to this week's challenge. This week we are going to focus on loving our circle. Our friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc well. Jesus tells us that people will recognize Him by our love. We are called to love God and love others, but just like when it comes to showing love to our family, how often do we miss opportunities? How often to we take our interactions with others for granted?

This past week at church we were discussing the importance of our words and how we are called to steward our words as believers. Ephesians instructs us to use our speech to build up and edify one another. Yet, how often do we just talk for the sake of talking or rather spend time speaking about things that aren't bringing glory to God? I know that I can be guilty of this and it has really challenged me as I have gone through my week. Where can we be more intentional with how we speak to those around us? Are our words truly building one another up in love?

Additionally, what would our community look like and feel like if we were people committed not only to speaking in love with one another, but serving one another in love too. Acts of service is one of the love languages how can you provide this for the people in your circles? My husband and I have been reading through Acts and I am always struck by how the early church loved and cared for one another. It makes my heart yearn for that type of rich community that is willing to go deep, love like Jesus loved and serve like Jesus served. As I was talking with one of my dear friends about this concept over voice notes this week she said something profound "To build a village you have to be willing to be a villager." Right? That can be hard, but the reward is SO worth it. You truly cannot put a price on being connected to healthy, God-fearing community. It is one of life's biggest blessings.

So how can we "be a villager" this week? Start by choosing one person in your everyday circle to intentionally love this week. Then do one tangible act of love for them. Perhaps it is a handwritten note to a co-worker who has really been a blessing to you lately. Maybe it is a coffee drop off to a new mom who needs a reminder that she is seen. Other ideas could be offer to babysit for that couple at your church so they can have a date night without the expense of childcare. Send an encouraging text to a friend who needs to be reminded that they are doing life well. Pray for someone out loud, maybe someone is in a hard and difficult season and could really use hearing someone pray for them.

Ask God to bring someone or multiple someones to mind this week. I can't wait to see how loving God and loving others not only blesses those around us, but transforms our hearts as well!