The Heart of True Intimacy
 When people begin dating, they often feel a surge of inner angst: “Will I be accepted? Will my invitation be well received?” These questions reach deeper than romance—they touch our sense of identity, self-worth, and lovability. In response, we’re tempted to show only our best parts, carefully curating ourselves to be acceptable—maybe even creating a false self in order to “catch” the other person.
The same temptation can creep into our relationship with God. If we’re not sure of His utterly unconditional love, we may try to hide the “unpresentable” parts of ourselves or craft a “religious” version of who we think we should be. But these paths are spiritually deadly. They keep us from experiencing the authentic, transforming love of God and leave us stuck in a shallow faith.
Yet Scripture is clear: God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27). Real love means bringing every part of ourselves—not just the polished or presentable parts—into a full...
How To Live With One Another
What if God designed us to live in meaningful relationship with others? What if He wants us to impact and be impacted by each other so that we might be changed and transformed in the process? If this were actually God’s design and plan, how might it affect how we act toward others and how we receive from them?
God has placed the lonely in households (Psalm 68:6), with families, friends, workmates and possibly most importantly in the household of faith. He has made us to have effect on each other. It is as if our souls have been created with permeable membranes that allow overlap and exchange when we come close to each other. We experience the most exchange with those who come closest. Maybe that’s why we can be so irritated by our spouse, family or good friend. It can also explain how we pick up mannerisms, expressions and worldviews from each other.
The New Testament is peppered with verses that describe how we can best relate to “one another.” They express how the Kingdom of God i...
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