You are likely to say “amen” when you read Paul say, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). You may enjoy in-depth studies of books of the Bible like Ecclesiastes or Ezekiel. You care deeply about the truth and the life of the mind. You likely read a lot and enjoy learning as much as you can about subjects that interest you. And you believe that Christians should be committed to learning and developing a biblical worldview. Consider joining or starting a Bible study with people who might value your passion for knowledge. Think about people you know who would value learning about God with you.
I stepped outside for our daily walk, breathing in the fresh spring air as the radiant warmth of that signature Florida heat touched my face. It was April 2020, and my wife and I, with our two little boys, had just moved to a small neighborhood in Tampa from New York City.
I was still not used to my surroundings — the winding, more suburban streets, each house neatly placed beside the next yet somehow disconnected and isolated, like islands holding entire lives. We were living side by side but not together in any meaningful sense. The only thing I shared with folks on my street was a mailman.
COVID-19 hadn’t brought us here to Tampa and our new home, but it sure changed what “here” felt like.
In the early days of shelter-in-place orders and social distancing, I could almost see waves of loneliness and uncertainty rolling down the driveways.
Living in Manhattan under normal circumstances, there were regular opportunities for community: church events, small group outreaches, dinner parties and game nights with people in our home.
The pandemic and my move to Tampa disrupted my normal, ready-made ministry moments and the blessings I received from being in community. For a long time, I had no idea where or how to even start building relationships with others. I felt like a sailor who had suddenly lost the wind, drifting into uncharted waters.
A question was stuck in my mind like a splinter: Are there opportunities to love others and offer a taste of the hope of Jesus during this time of separation?
I hoped to answer this question by reading the gospels to encounter and learn from Him. There is something simple yet irresistible about Jesus’ life and ministry. Some of the most memorable scenes were unpredictable and unexpected interruptions.
For the disciples, walking with the Son of God must have felt messy and unpredictable. But no matter where Jesus went, you could expect the presence and power of God to break in. This was a great source of hope for me.
As I read, several principles emerged:
See how others respond and what doors might open when you first take the posture of a listener.
These principles guided us in that difficult season. Perhaps they can help you too. It isn’t always glamorous, but as you practice these, you can begin to make a difference right where you are. Patiently planting tiny seeds can result in much fruit (Matthew 13:31-32).
We started a daily walk around the neighborhood as a family, seeking to embody the principles we saw in the life of Jesus.
These walks became sacred times of expectation and blossomed into opportunities:
And suddenly we were immersed in love, connection and hope in places we hadn’t expected.
In these small ways, we could meet real needs and share the good news of the gospel with those around us. These touchpoints with the hospitality and love of God pushed back against the loneliness that threatened to overwhelm.
So what about you? How is God inviting you to see opportunities where you are? What could happen as you pray and seek to become more available to, interruptible by, and curious of those within relational reach?
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