Tuesday 12 Nov 2013

Tuesday Reading: Hebrews 13:1-3

Key Verse: Hebrews 13:1
1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.

Devotion:
Whilst we could all probably pick a hole or two in our relationships with brothers and sisters, the intent laid down here is that we ought to treasure each other as we would our own family members. But it should not just stop at treating others as if they were your own brothers and sisters; God expects more than just doing something because it is said we should!

If we invite others in just because someone said so, we are doing it out of duty and not out of love. Without love any show of friendliness is without foundation and we will not know what it is to share in true friendship. Applying love to any friendship will break down the barriers we all put up when someone gets too close. I know I have been guilty of putting up all sorts of barriers in the past when new people have come into my life and none of them have helped whatsoever!

Being able to lower your defences and allow people to meet the real you will go a long way to show that you actually can trust other people. It does not mean that you have to put aside all of your standards and allow people to run riot over you; what it does mean is that you should trust people to come close at times. We all do need our own personal space, but we should also allow people to come closer while we build up friendships. If we are not willing to allow anyone close we may never meet that one person who will make all the difference in your life!

But don’t stop just because you are not looking for someone special – continue to reach out to people that need your love and support. When you are down it is nice to have someone who is willing to build your spirits up; but don’t expect others to be nice to you if you are not willing to be nice first of all. Love is about giving as well as taking – never expect to get any unless you are willing to give first of all.

You may not feel too much like giving others love and support when you are feeling a bit down yourself, but through lifting up others spirits you will get a lift yourself. Try it!

Points to Ponder:
Are you willing to give before taking?

Have you seen what Christ gave you first of all?