Two things we can likely agree on right off the bat (for those most likely to read this post):

• We need Jesus.
• We need one another.

I believe those 2 statements with every ounce of my fiber and being.

You’ve heard phrases like ‘Life was not meant to be lived alone’ or ‘There are no self-made men/women, we all had folks invest in us to get us where we are.’

Everything I try to build my life on and those in my sphere is developed from the two truths about Jesus and others.

Whenever I hear a message, read a blog/article, that speaks to the Bible’s “one anothers,” my ears perk up. If I was slouching, I instantly gain better posture.

Sadly though, I see us accept a reality all too often. It blows my mind every time.
A person will be in community and then they miss. They miss a time together again. Maybe the once reliable responder now allows for breaks in communication.

They aren’t easy to reach, no one sees them in previously familiar spots.

The common reasoning is “I’m going through a difficult time personally or with another person or challenging circumstance.”

(Pause.)

(Pause again.)

What should then not happen? Accept that response, right?

Yet, most of the time in my experience, we do. We’ll give them their space.

No.
No!
NOOOOOOO!!

Fight with them. Fight for them. To a degree, fight them.

But don’t let that be. Speaking unwise words …. don’t …. Let it be!!

Stephen Mansfield (www.stephenmansfield.tv) tells the story of a primarily African American church in the south that saw the leader of its men’s ministry become hurt and frustrated with some of the men.

He retreated and stayed in his house. What did the men do? As a group, many went to his house.

He wouldn’t come out. They wouldn’t leave. They stayed the night. Time went, the man called the cops. The police moved by their compassion, let them stay.

You know what happened. Break through. Healing.

If they would have left at first point of shut down, would break through occur. Or if the cops booted them. I highly doubt it.

Don’t accept the life is hard response. The ‘I’m dealing with something on my own’ take can be fatal.

Quickly exiting relationships will lead to loss. Im staying. I’m going nowhere will lead to some of life’s greatest victories.