1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (NLT)
Way back in medieval times there were places of refuge for those in trouble. Today there are such things as safe places for those escaping from tyranny or violence. It is such a relief to find refuge from danger.
And we might consider that as well as safe places there are safe people. Those with whom we can share our deepest concerns and fears. Those who we know will keep our confidences. Those who will go on accepting us and having concern for our welfare despite what they know about us. Those who understand us as real people rather than the persona we present to the world at large.
It is hard to find such people. Many are so busy that they can’t take the time to truly connect beyond the superficial. Some have their own agenda to pursue and see us as a means to that end. Some are quick to diagnose and offer remedy, or even offer judgement.
Our text describes what a safe relationship might look like. If I am to be a safe person for others I need to be accepting of others as they are. And such acceptance arises out of my own accepting of who I am. If I reject myself I am likely to also reject others.
We know we can truly feel safe with Jesus. But we were made for more than that. We were made for one another and so finding safe people is a vital part of our human wellbeing.
Blessings
David Reay
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