How Do You Connect With People?

You can be part of a group and still be alone. When we worked with a senior group called 55 +/-, I noticed that those who declared people were unfriendly also came late to class and left early. Neither did they sign up for any of our extra activities.

Daily life is full of small opportunities. Sometimes we’re on the giving end. We invite someone to lunch, bring a treat to the office, or phone our “Happy Birthday” to someone far away. At other times, we’re on the receiving end. How do we respond?

Last week I encouraged you to join a group that could help bring some good into the world. I’m thankful for every group that helps people with medical needs, housing, food, rehab options, and more. They wouldn’t exist without members.

I’ve been enjoying the Book of Romans. In Chapter One, Paul said he prayed for the people and longed to see them (Romans 1:9-11). He said he was ready to preach the gospel, but (since he wasn’t there), he wrote it for them.

His closing, in Chapter 16, caught my interest. Paul greeted 27 specific individuals, but he also greeted 6 groups of people. Read this chapter for yourself! It’s well worth your time.

Have you ever had someone say, “Tell (someone) hello for me when you talk to them.” Have you said, “I will,” then crossed it off as unimportant? People like to be remembered, and such greetings help build a bond of unity, no matter the distance.

In the days of the Jesus Movement, Kurt Kaiser wrote a song called *Pass It On. The refrain says: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around will warm up to its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it; you spread the love to everyone; you want to pass it on.”

This week, how will you connect with people? Don’t discount tiny sparks of joy, kindness, faith, or love. Pass them on!

Pixabay: Light, Calls, Fire; MULTIMEDIOSDS.

Pass It On, Kurt Kaiser, C 1969. Check it out on Hymnary.org or other online sources.