SWHW Bible Reading Plan: September 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Jessica Hottle:

There are two things I realized we cannot separate: a relationship with God and a relationship with other people. 

Often, people come to experience a relationship with God when they encounter God through relationships with God's people.

1 John 2:5-6 says, "But whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked."

When we are in communion and relationship with God and abiding in His Word, our words should sound different. Our actions should look different. And our feelings should be displayed differently. 

With all the kindness leaving my fingertips as I type this, I ask this question: Are we truly abiding in Him when our relationships suffer? When we are holding on to hate and unforgiveness? When we refuse to take responsibility for the things God has called us to?

Our relationship with God reflects a change in us. We cannot change other people, but we can change our hearts towards them. 

We live in a world that says to drop every person; forget about those who don't spark joy. I want us to challenge that narrative: Are we running from our pain and avoiding relationships? Or are we loving well and honoring God's people?

The world's way does not build relationships on God's love. However, as Paul says in Corinthians, He is the master builder laying the foundation for others to build upon. 

We get to do the same in our relationships. We get to lay a foundation of God's truth, wholeness, and healing.

When we abide in Him, we walk as He walked. 

May people notice something different about you today. 

May your relationships flourish not because it's something you have to do, but out of the overflow of God's unending love for you. 

Father, teach me to love like You in my relationships. When I abide in You, I bear much fruit. Help me to see the areas that need pruning so I can bear more fruit. Show me how to walk in Your ways and not my own. In Jesus' name, Amen!