A circle is complete. Its shape is not interrupted, but continues around. It is not an arc, or a curved segment of line, but a fully completed figure. A relationship with the Lord God is much the same. As Colossians 2:10 says, “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Our relationship with Him is ever changing, but we never have to worry about losing Him. He will never leave us or forsake us, and as He is perfect, He will never let us down or make a mistake. Naturally, trusting in the Lord is the smartest decision any person could make. We can have certainty and security in His faithfulness.

A relationship with Jesus can not only heal us and help us, but it can help complete our relationships with others. Regardless of the insecurity of an incomplete or damaged relationship, God’s love can give us the help and wisdom to fix our own relationships. When our flesh rises up in us, selfishness can destroy a relationship in mere minutes, and rebuilding that can be impossible. But as it is said in a familiar portion of Scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Whatever happened to the child-like mindset that told us we could be the President of the United States or a NBA basketball player or a singer? I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t be prudent or realistic in what goals we set for ourselves, but I am hoping that not every person has lost their desire to seize life for the Kingdom. Life is full of ups and downs that can cause beautiful memories, and deep bruises. But if we spent every second of our lives focusing on the hurts instead of the numerous blessings He has provided, how can we expect to grow in our relationship with God or our earthly relationships?

Working against the flesh can be a constant battle, but God’s grace is sufficient to cover our bad days. Paul said it plainly in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” God’s grace allows us to trust in Him and have liberating and abundant lives. In Galatians 5:13, it is taken even further: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” We are not only capable of having liberty through His grace, but we are “called unto liberty”! God wants us to have full relationships, and liberty to love and serve others, not to serve our own selfish desires.  It is so great to serve a God that is the same yesterday, today, and forever; the One that completes us, and continues to help us in our everyday relationships. May we all experience the full relationships that God has called us to have.

For the past month I’ve been pondering what to write about. Usually I know well in advance, and my thoughts have clear direction. However, this entire month I struggled with what God wanted me to say—what He was trying to teach me. I would land on a subject only to change my mind soon after. Spiritually, I felt pulled in a thousand different directions, which was probably because my heart has been heavy. It wasn’t until last night that I received my breakthrough.

One ten in the morning. I decide to take the emotional plunge and wade through what’s been ailing my heart—what’s been keeping me from the joy I find in Jesus everyday. I think about the last couple of weeks. Though I had been showered with amazing preaching, though I was fed the word of God and wrapped in praise and worship, I still ended up at the altar, crying my eyes out. And though I should have been rejoicing, I found myself heavy and couldn’t understand why. Ah, the ever-present question of why. Why? Why, God? But instead of asking why, I decide to think about what. What? The memories come flooding to me. Tears fill my eyes, as the weight in my heart grows.

I ask God, when I am able to speak, “Lord, what do I do? I realize now it’s been me all along carrying this weight. I’m letting it go. I’m giving it to you. I’m letting you take control again. But, Jesus, what do I do? What happens when I try and try, but no matter what I do, nothing changes? What do I do when I’ve tried to maintain relationships with people but they fall apart? What do I do when someone hurts me by hurting You? What do I do when differences can’t be reconciled? I know You’re in control, and I trust You. I won’t worry, but is there anything humanly possible that I can do? Search my heart, Lord, is there something that I missed? Is there something I need to say? Is there something I should do? What do I do?”

I feel the Lord’s arms wrap around me as He warmly tells me, “You love them.”

“That’s it?”

“You love them.”

“Really?”

“Really. Love each and every one like I do. And remember how much I love you. You might find the weight lighter. Never did I say that I expected you to be perfect. That’s My job.”

God’s Love. Could it really be that simple? I wipe the tears from my eyes. I think about every situation that weighs on me. I add God’s love to the equation. Suddenly, every issue fades to gray. My heart begins to feel lighter. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.”

If any of you are like me, we all go through times when everything in our lives seems to fall apart. We all go through rumble strips—periods where God will bring you through a trial to teach you. Note that I said bring you. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in all of our problems that we forget that God will bring us through. We get so busy that we forget that He is always with us; we are never alone. In the meantime, what can we do? We can love. Even when we feel that we’ve been wronged and that people should love us, we can still love others. In Matthew 7:12 Jesus clearly states, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Similarly Luke 10:27 says, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” And again this concept is stated in Luke 6:31.

Never should we find an excuse not to love our neighbors. It sounds so simple, but it’s something we forget to do sometimes. The important thing is, it’s not about us—it’s about Jesus. It’s about His sacrifice, His love, His commandments. God truly loves us, so what reason do we have not to love others? Do you have enemies? Love them. Do you have friends? Love them. Do you have co-workers? Love them. We are commanded by God to love. The more you let God take control, the more you love, and the more you do unto others as you would have them do unto you—the more true, God-given joy you will feel.

So it’s simple: how many people have you loved today?