The burdens from the previous week were pressing in on me. I felt alone, misunderstood, overwhelmed, and surrounded by the temporal values and philosophies of the world around me. I needed the fellowship, support, and encouragement that a church service should provide and the love of those who would be in church that morning, worshiping our merciful and gracious God alongside me. I not only needed it; I longed for it!
As I walked through the doors, my heart—both anxious and eager—was beating in an almost joyful rhythm, anticipating the balm that the body of believers would certainly and unknowingly provide.
“Hi! I love the new ‘do! It’s cute!”
“Um…thanks.”
In that one instant, my rhythmic heart dropped a bit of its joy. The conversation continued in outwardly focused topics, and I found myself looking for a reason to walk away, thankful when one presented itself. As I continued down the hallway toward my Sunday School class, I took a deep breath, pulled my shoulders back, and knew that I’d find a respite within the walls of the smaller gathering of similarly aged believers.
“Ooooh, I love your outfit!” Were those really the first words my aching spirit heard after days of hoping for an understanding friend?
I don’t recall my reply. It was undoubtedly fake. It was possibly even abrupt in its conclusion as I attempted to get to my chair before the impending tears found their way down my cheeks. With the hard swallow that prevented their appearance came a resolution that I would make a change in that very moment: I would, from that point forward, when greeting others in the context of corporate worship, speak first about heavenly things and then approach the things of this earth.
Stop. Don’t go there. I’m not being pious. I’m not condemning the kindness of others’ appreciation for my attempts to look nice or take care of my appearance. I am, however, re-prioritizing those elements of my initial conversations with people. I want to put into practice the “one another” passages in the Bible, which primarily focus on the heart, on edification, on encouragement…on the true elements of loving others. For example:
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24, NASB).
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2, NASB).
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13, KJV).
So now, if you see me at church, expect to hear me ask about your week, follow up on your recent prayer request, or, in the spirit of accountability, ask how things are going with your decision to shine a light for Christ in the workplace. I don’t know what your smile hides or what your words will reveal. But as your sister in Christ, I’m willing to find out and willing to listen.
And then…only then…will I comment on your super-cute haircut or your dreamy new outfit!
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