Don’t I know you from somewhere? You look so familiar. We chat through locations we frequent, groups we belong to, and places we’ve lived. Nothing surfaces, but still I’m certain that this is not the first time we’ve crossed paths. Have you had this experience recently? I’d love to have a catalog of every introduction I’ve made in my fifty-three years. I’m sure the number of people I’ve met would be staggering! Those I’ve had close contact with over longer periods of time, for a season, or a lifetime- I’d love to know those numbers too, even if just to exclaim, “Wow! That’s truly amazing!”
Some of those conversations, friendships, and relationships I’d love to have back today, knowing what I now know. My heart grows bigger with each passing year, encompassing more neighbors, acquaintances, families, and friends, more closely approximating my Savior’s heart. Maybe the capacity has always been there and I just haven’t known how to hold more than a few close at a time. Maybe you struggle too? I’m just one person. I can only do so much. The good news is that Jesus is infinite, His love is perfect because He is love, and there’s always plenty to go around.
My biggest challenge is not loving people. I love people with all my being. I see a need and I’m looking for ways to fill it from what I have on hand. I see someone hurting and I want to hold their hand, hug them, heal their hurt. Looking the other way physically pains me, and even if no one ever knows I saw, I carry their hurt with me to bed at night, heavy on my heart and mind. I carry them straight to Jesus before I can sleep. My biggest challenge, however, has always been getting them straight to Jesus from the first. How do you start a conversation, especially today, not knowing where another person stands on issues, not knowing what they believe about creation and God? As a friend related just this morning, in fact, nobody wants to be rejected, but even this is no excuse.
““Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you.
They don’t want me to be their king any longer.”
1 Samuel 8:7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1sa.8.7.NLT
I think I’ve finally stumbled on a great response, and I’m sure God is thinking, “well that certainly took you long enough!” When I introduce myself in the future, I’ve decided I’m going all the way back to the beginning.
“So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.1.27.NLT
Don’t I know you from somewhere? You look so familiar. I see it now. You’re created in the image of God.
And sometimes I’ll be able to take it a step farther.
The apostle Paul, and Peter and John, in their letters constantly refer to fellow Christians, followers of Christ, as faithful brothers and sisters. “In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word ‘adelphoi’ (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters.” (ESV imbedded note II Thessalonians 1:3)
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
2 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2th.1.2-3.ESV
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself.
Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.
These are the sacrifices that please God.
Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will.
May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
Hebrews 13:1-7, 14-16, 20-21 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.13.1-21.NLT
Don’t I know you from somewhere?
A Fitting Reply 