1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 "Although we could have been a burden as Christ's apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us." (HCSB)
Key Components for Establishing and Maintaining Community:
1. Concede Your Need for Others! Vs. 7 "As a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." (NASB)
1 Corinthians 12:20-22 "As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable..." (NIV)
Abraham Maslow: "Before we can be a person of value and become all that we were intended to become we first must have our social needs met."
2. Develop Deep Relationships! Vs. 8 "We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us." (HCSB)
Passing the Test of Time:
Care--"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Share--"For us to share with others in deep relationships necessitates that we get up close and personal with one another."
Dear--"May we never forget that love is something you do, not just something you say."
3. Commit to Authenticity! Vs. 8 "Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives..." (NASB)
Reuben Gornitzke "We can't simply cheer people on and give them our best wishes. We have to make room for them in our lives."
Question: What Authentic Relationships will you develop this year?
