We Gather Together
God's Word commands us to weekly experience Sabbath rest. It also instructs us to gather together in prayer and Bible Study. I've participated in a women's study this summer and it has been so life giving. One woman shared recently that her husband's brother was a pastor and he knows what those families endure physically and emotionally, so they pray for us regularly.
The women in this study embarked on a project this summer to encourage others. One part of the project had us bestowing gifts on a group of people. There was a woman who could not come pick up her gift at the given time where we were distributing them and two weeks later I was ambushed in a public setting with "Where is my gift! It has been two weeks and no one has given it to me." I went and picked up her gift to give her and there wasn't even a thank you.
Not using the woman's name, I shared with the group how taken back I was by the curtness in her words and this was not the first time I'd been reprimanded by her. I explained the mama in me, wanted to take this younger woman aside and ask what was bringing these reactions about, but I hadn't sensed the Lord's promoting yet.
The small gathering was a safe place to seek wisdom and prayer.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
The very next day an email from "The Five Love Languages" site popped up in my inbox and spoke to this situation and also another person shared "a perfect storm" scenario that may have led to this woman's behavior. I'm thankful I held my tongue that day and evoked my "Pray it, don't say it" philosophy at that moment.
Here is Gary Chapman's email.
"Have you ever watched a movie and had difficulty figuring out the plot? If so, I’m assuming you either turned it off or turned your attention elsewhere (i.e., phone, refrigerator, sleep). When you don’t understand how things are connected, you begin to lose interest. Boredom begins to set in, and eventually you give up trying to figure out the point of it all.
"Whether it’s on the big screen or in your relationships, it’s vitally important to create context for specific interactions. Your spouse, child, friend, or coworker cannot read your mind. They may not always understand why you said what you said or did what you did. Although your actions and words may make sense to you, they don't always make sense to others. Therefore, it’s important to help create context when you sense others are confused by your actions or reactions—especially ones that are inconsistent with your normal behavioral patterns. This will help them better understand who you are and reconcile your behavior.
For example, when you are under a lot of stress, you may react with less patience toward others—snapping at those around you with cynical or cutting remarks. This can be confusing for others if they don’t understand where your lack of patience is coming from. Stress is never an excuse for treating others poorly, but when others understand the context, they will often be more patient and empathetic—possibly seeking to alleviate your stress in one way or another.
Confusion can be problematic for relationships and often causes distance. Communication, on the other hand, can help create the context by which relationships can grow closer and become healthier. It's never too late to start communicating the why behind your behavior in ways that are helpful to your relationships." Gary Chapman Author of The Five Love Languages
Who are you gathering with this week that encourages you to do things God's way?
The Song
"We Gather Together"
