Relating to the UnRelatable

How many times have you heard or observed a situation that you could not quite understand? You say to yourself, “I don’t know anything about this!” Or if you are like me, you say, “What in the world is this!” I mean as we live our lives daily we are all faced with situations totally out of our wheel house. But, do we turn the other cheek or do we try to be like Christ, and lovingly guide someone through their troubles? Most of us say, “Not my problem!” Right? Because there is an upside and downside to sticking your neck out for one another. And since we are called to be like Him, and be as disciples of Christ, how can we relate to the unrelatable?  Believe me, I know it is easier said than done.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Love, kindness, respect, generosity, and faith are some of the words to describe how God created us to be. I do have to say that in being a “people person,” which is a person who generally loves people, I find myself confronted with many different takes on daily living. I can talk to one person who is going through car troubles, then talk to another who is going through a divorce, then talk with another who just lost their job, and then talk to a friend who is having self-esteem issues. And  in all these situations big or small, I find myself at first thought, saying “I am glad that is not me!” And I had to question myself on why that was my first thought.

In relating to the unrelatable we must all realize that these situations can happen to any of us. We all would like to think we have come a long way from being down and out, but honestly we are not too far from being back in those same shoes. I am not saying we all have to worry about the specific problems of others happening to us, but trouble will come in different forms. And wouldn’t it be great to have someone there to say, “I understand, and I am here for you?” This is why we must disciple to others, not to put Jesus down others throats..NO! To show everyone that Jesus is the quiet listener, the calming hug, the hand to pull you up, and the smile you so needed to see. We disciple because we can relate, and because we all know what it’s like to be hanging on by a finger nail to our own faith.

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. …”Matthew 5:1-7, 29

I have come against many opposers of my faith. I did not know what being saved meant, when I first gave my life to Christ. But, since then I have learned that the more I grow in Him, the more love I have for others. I can easily fall back into my old ways, and look down on those who are struggling. But, with God in me, my heart can no longer be closed to the plight of others. I can and do relate to people losing loved ones. I can and do relate to losing everything and being desperate to survive. I can and do relate to being sick and not knowing when the pain will end. We all have the ability and the heart to help each other, but yet we feel that if we help another, we will somehow be dragged down with them. Thankfully this is not how God looks at us!

Lastly, as we end another week, I would like for you to think about how you can relate to the unrelatable. How can you do one small thing for someone who is going through some trouble? Whether it be listening to them vent, being a shoulder to cry on, or just being a quiet presence beside them, we all will need each other at different times in our lives. Most days all we need is for someone to truly care about what we are going through. Today I say to all of you, “I Am here and I am listening.” I can relate, how about you? You got this!

Sincerely,
Terryn