AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS - 2 Timothy 2:22

Awesome! Eleven people responded to the survey question about sharing your faith in Jesus Christ with others. Nice to know there are some people reading and responding to this blog.

I spent a good amount of the last two weeks thinking about Authentic relationships, which is the sermon topic for this Sunday. (Next subject in our WE BELIEVE series.) I think it would be good to share some thoughts here for your feedback. Also, I want to share my list of what defines an authentic relationship. It will help if you add to my list. And if you do; you may find your comments as part of this Sunday's definition of what it means to offer an authentic relationship to another person.

Authentic Relationships
1. Focus on Others
2. Not easily offended
3. Listen first, speak second
4. Assume the Best
5. Honest/Open
6. Permission to Ask
7. Sense of Ownership

Many of these points are self-explanatory, but I will address a few specifically.
Assume the Best: often I encounter people who are negative about others before they even begin to know them. In my mind, heart, and according to the Bible, I believe we must give an opportunity for people to explain themselves or their actions before we write them off. Communication is tricky business. It has always worked well for me to assume the best from another until I have solid, first-hand evidence of their intention to wound me.

Permission to Ask: Authentic Relationships are filled with both give and take. For some reason today, it is not acceptable to ask for help. You are seen as needy or weak, as a bother. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point in modern history relationship became one way.
"You serve me."
"You meet my needs."
"You make me happy."
"And if you don't...then I'm leaving."

Maybe it is a result of our loss of community. I feel weird asking my neighbor for a cup of sugar. My mom feels weird asking her children for help chopping wood. Church members feel weird picking up the phone to say, "I'm struggling, help." Have we just lost an understanding that relationships are two-ways, give and take?

Ownership: In general, I see a dis-interest in people among people. There is an increase in benevolence organizations. Interest in Humanity projects is on the rise. But, what about your neighbor? Who is taking interest in the person you live next to, sit next to in a church service, or work with 40 hours per week? An authentic person who is offering an authentic relationship takes ownership of those in their circle of influence.
For example, I received word this morning about a Pastor who is possibly struggling at another church in town. This Pastor and I know each other, in fact, I would say we are friends. Wait; not really. I only talk to him 6-12 times a year. Seldom do our conversations last more than 10 minutes. But we know each other. So what do I do? If I am going to provide an authentic relationship, I am going to contact him and have our 13th conversation. I'm going to take ownership, not leaving it to someone else. Am I busy? Yes. Do I have time to deal with this? No. Am I going to benefit from this outreach call? Probably Not. But see, none of that is the point. I want to offer authentic relationships and be the recipient of authentic relationships.

Why? Because my knowledge of God grows while in authentic community with others. The Bible tells me to "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace,
along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." ( 2 Timothy 2:22)

God has told me to flee and pursue alongside others who are called by Him.