Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
I read this verse and started reflecting on my relationships with people... then I asked myself some hard questions...
Why do we hold on to people that bring us down? People that build themselves up at our expense? Most people gain something from a relationship, that is why we stay in them. Why do we hold on to those people that hurt us? If we carefully look at those people we associate with, what does it really say about us?
Do we have a lot of friends that only know us on a superficial level? Do we allow people to be rude or judgemental because we secretly feel unworthy? What are we hiding from? ArMaybe we are really afraid of the mirror, a mirror that only reflects the truth of our character and not what we would like to see? Maybe that fear is what keeps us mired in superficial, shallow, and ultimately damaging relationships. If we keep people at a distance then we are justified in dismissing their opinions because they do not "really" know us. The problem is that eventually we lose track of who we really are as well, we are reduced to a bit role in our own twisted and superficial world. One day we may wake up to find ourselves lost in a sea of anxiety and lonliness wondering who we are and how we got here. We wake up isolated and defeated.
We were never called to be alone, we were designed to have fellowship with God and each other. We grow when we have accountability with one another and have transparent relationships. Fear of rejection allows us to remain in our sin, it is the freedom gained through accountability that allows us to grow and to heal.
Take some time to carefully examine your relationships. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to show you if there are any relationships that are hindering your walk with him - seek His strength and guidance. We are not to shun the world, we are to bring God's love and His light to it.
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