DAY 13 — The Need for Connection

Remember 2020? Just hours before our local Shelter-in-Place order went into effect, I drove to San Antonio and picked up not one, but two French Bouviers. Crazy, I know. I figured: what better time to raise puppies than when everyone is home to help?

Max, one of those giant “walking carpets,” has become my loyal protector. He is devoted, affectionate, and prefers me even over food. He meets his psychological need for connection through me—and I get the joy of his companionship. But here’s the truth: as much as I love my dog, he can’t meet my need for connection.

Thirst-Quenching Essential #3: Connection.

Paul prayed in Philippians 1:9 that believers’ love would “abound more and more.” This isn’t romance or affection. It’s agape—a love that seeks the best for others. The Philippians were already doing this well, but Paul challenged them to keep growing. Why? Because love for one another is the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples (John 13:35).

The need for connection is universal. Yet we fail miserably when we try to meet it apart from Jesus. Leah longed for Jacob’s affection but never found it. Their sons carried the dysfunction forward, hating Joseph so much they sold him into slavery. Even the disciples wrestled with rivalry, resenting James and John when they asked for special seats in the kingdom (Matthew 20:24).

And we’re no different. When our emotional cups overflow with stress, hurt, or disappointment, it spills out on the people closest to us. Instead of offering love, they get our coffee-stained self-interest.

That’s why Jesus must be the source of our connection. Only when His love abounds in us can we offer true agape to others.

Without Jesus, connection collapses into self-interest. With Him, love abounds more and more.

Drink Deep

Think of one relationship where your “cup” has been spilling over. Instead of trying harder to love well, pray Philippians 1:9 over that person today. Ask Jesus to cause your love to abound more and more through Him.