Rich In Relationship

Written by: Alexa Perez

You're only as RICH as your RELATIONSHIPS.

In other words, if you want to experience the fullness that Jesus offers us in this life, it starts with the people around you. Even the people that you wouldn't expect.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a friend.          John 15:12-13

As followers of Christ, we are called not only to love God, but to love people. Even Jesus showed us a perfect example of this - He was poured into by the Father, while pouring into the twelve disciples. Jesus, the King of the Universe, spent his free time investing in the lives of other people. These weren't necessarily friends of His at the time or even the most holy people. Not only that, but through His whole journey, He also made time for His most important relationship with His Father, always seeking more guidance and wisdom.

So now I ask you: Who's is in your corner? Who is in, above, around and behind you? Who is pouring into you and who are you pouring into?

I have a feeling that Jesus felt a lot of fullness in seeing the disciples grow into who they were becoming after pouring into them for so long. These are the people that He chose to walk with daily. He developed them and saw them change in front of His very eyes, even when no one believed it was possible - this is true discipleship. This is the same approach that we should have as believers with the people around us.

Reflecting on my own personal life, these last days and weeks, my heart has been so full with everyone around me. I am blessed with an amazing community where I feel like I am being taught, strengthened and challenged. At the same time, I strive to reach and love the lost, develop new relationships and equip the next generation searching for Jesus.

All I have is all I need: the Holy Spirit living in me, my mentors above me, a community of believers around me and a generation of young students seeking God behind me.

So use this great opportunity that life has given you - we are truly not made to do life alone! As Christ followers we are called to love on our community and to expand His Kingdom. So I challenge you today: text that friend you haven't spoken to in a while, take your neighbor out for coffee, join a small group, mentor someone who's still new in the faith, call a family member. It's time to get rich - in the most important and filling way possible!