Invaluable

Over the course of the year, the Stewardship Mission Team at our church has been encouraging us to think about stewardship from a wide variety of perspectives. We’ve been reflecting on how we might be better stewards or caretakers of the various gifts entrusted to us: our health, the earth we live on, our time, our talents, our faith, and now this month, our relationships with others.

This is a really interesting concept to me. How can I be a steward of my relationship with others: friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, sisters, and brothers in Christ?

One thing I know for sure, the dynamics of human relationships can get messy. We step on each other’s toes. We disagree on politics. We make mistakes. We miss-read and miss interpret. And sometimes our pride rears its ugly head and does damage.

Think about it. What does it do to a relationship when it always has to be my way – or no way? What does it do to a relationship when I always have to be right… or I just have to have the last word… or I refuse to be the first to forgive or ever say I’m sorry. What does it do to a relationship when I won’t even listen to another, point of view?

Are there relationships in your life that could be different, if you could let go of the pride?

If 2020 taught us anything, many of us were reminded of the true value of our relationships. When we were locked down for months on end, not able to socialize, we longed to spend time with friends and loved ones. We missed singing songs together in church. We missed shared dinners, quiet conversations, even seeing colleagues face to face in the office. All of this makes me reflect on how our relationships do need tending.

This week, I pray that you would reflect again on the forgiveness, mercy, love that you have received from Christ. May these be gifts you have to share not only with the world around you – but also with those closest to you.

Let us pray: Holy God, we thank you for friends and family, those who have loved us and enriched our lives over the years. Remind us again of their true worth. Grant us open and humble hearts. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.