Connected, Protected, Accepted
There are three things we all need. We need to be connected, protected, and accepted.
Connected
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. I John 1:3 (KJV)
God made us for relationship- with Him and others. We have to connect with others, yet we have to make sure we connect with the right people. As we fellowship with God, He helps us fellowship with others. Connecting with others is vital to our wellbeing. As we take time to communicate, we’ll learn to relate to others. We may not always understand each other, but we can still reach out and be available.
Protected
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Psalm 91:1, 7 (KJV)
God protects us so we can feel safe with one another. As I reach out and connect with others, God will protect me. Relationships can make us vulnerable. Even when we get hurt, we know God will heal us if we allow Him to. God wants us to connect and feel safe because our hearts are protected. In God, there’s a safe place; a place of protection where we can love and open up. And as we sense that protection, we’ll open up to others and create a safe place for them to open up as well.
Accepted
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)
As God accepts us, we can accept others. When we take the risk and open up to others, we connect within God’s protection. Then we can accept people as they are because we know we are safe from harm. As we accept one another, we are free from rejection and we make one another feel valuable and needed.
Connections make us feel needed and as we love one another, there is protection for all involved. Thus, we can accept each other because Christ accepts us. As we do this, we meet each other’s needs in the areas of being loved, needed and valued. This is exactly how God treats us!
