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Networking
'Each part...helps the other parts grow.' EPHESIANS 4:16
Next time you're walking in the woods, imagine what's taking place under your feet. As the roots of trees come into contact with one another they form an underground support system. One tree has better access to water, another to nutrients, another to sunlight. A networking is taking place that strengthens them all. This is what Paul had in mind when he writes to the Ephesians: '[Under His direction], the whole body is fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.' Find it hard to 'network' with others? Here are three things that you can work on:
1) Forgiveness. 'Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others' (Colossians 3:13 NLT). Why show mercy to others? God's mercy to us. You'll never be asked to forgive someone else more than God has already forgiven you
2) Understanding. 'Be sympathetic ...kind...gentle, and patient' (Colossians 3:12 GWT). Sympathy meets two basic human needs we all have: the need to be understood and the need to have our feelings recognized as important. Sometimes we're too caught up with our own hurts, self-pity dries up sympathy for others. Don't let yourself say 'where were they when I needed sympathy it doesn't matter, remember point number 1!
3) Encouragement. 'I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you' (Romans 1:12 NCV). All of us are strengthened in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us. So today, be a networker!
written by Bob Gass
'Each part...helps the other parts grow.' EPHESIANS 4:16
Next time you're walking in the woods, imagine what's taking place under your feet. As the roots of trees come into contact with one another they form an underground support system. One tree has better access to water, another to nutrients, another to sunlight. A networking is taking place that strengthens them all. This is what Paul had in mind when he writes to the Ephesians: '[Under His direction], the whole body is fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.' Find it hard to 'network' with others? Here are three things that you can work on:
1) Forgiveness. 'Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others' (Colossians 3:13 NLT). Why show mercy to others? God's mercy to us. You'll never be asked to forgive someone else more than God has already forgiven you
2) Understanding. 'Be sympathetic ...kind...gentle, and patient' (Colossians 3:12 GWT). Sympathy meets two basic human needs we all have: the need to be understood and the need to have our feelings recognized as important. Sometimes we're too caught up with our own hurts, self-pity dries up sympathy for others. Don't let yourself say 'where were they when I needed sympathy it doesn't matter, remember point number 1!
3) Encouragement. 'I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you' (Romans 1:12 NCV). All of us are strengthened in our faith when others walk with us and encourage us. So today, be a networker!
written by Bob Gass
