Presented by Julie Busteed

Have you ever said or thought this? “I’d love this job if it just wasn’t for the people!” I know this is a sarcastic saying—it’s more tongue in cheek—but it’s how we feel sometimes isn’t it? Yet as Christ-followers, the greatest command Jesus gave us is to love God and love others.

This week, we’ll look at some strategies to help us as we relate to others around us—our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).

The first priority in dealing with our relationships is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind! Our relationship with God is essential. It affects everything, including our relationships with others. Take a minute to ask yourself these questions: Are you spending daily time with God? Reading his Word? Praying? This is the first place to start. It’s vital for you and me to make our relationship with God the foundation of our lives.

Sometimes it can be easy to think, “I have a relationship with God, and that’s enough. I don’t need others. I don’t need to go to church.” But that’s not true either. God is a triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is community between them, and as image-bearers, we need community not only with God but also with each other. God made you for community and connection.

Since you and I are made to be in community, how do we do this well?

Jesus goes on to say we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. What does it mean to love your neighbor? Love is an action—not just a feeling—a romantic feeling. It’s not the same as like. Love is giving of yourself and putting others first. It could look like delivering a meal to someone in need. Or helping a coworker with a project. Or praying with or for someone. It can take many forms; the main thing is that you see others—notice when they are in need—and reach out to help and care for them.