Tip of My Iceberg

I’ve had the privilege of raising six children; five girls, one boy. That combination inspired sibling rivalry–sharing isn’t a natural attitude for most kids. Fighting over toys, time, and personal treasures can be subtle or fractious, playful or powerful. I’ve been fortunate–my kids actually like each other and enjoy being together.

That didn’t stop the fights.

Sloane and Ward, on the other hand, have a unique sister/brother relationship. Personality wise, they’re very different. Sloane is a communicator, a creative who loves to be innovative in her mode of play and relationships. She cares deeply for people and is a fashionista at heart. Ward, not quite two years younger, is a competitor, focused, organized, and fun-loving. He loves Lionel Messi and practices soccer faithfully. He has a gentle heart.

They love each other dearly.

These are my DC grands, and they and their folks were in Europe for work and a little play this summer. These two had the time of their lives exploring, trying new food, making friends wherever they went.

There is a sense of camaraderie between them that is beautiful to watch. Sloane invites her brother into her imaginative endeavors, and Ward sees his sister as his forever teammate, kicking around a soccer ball together.

Togetherness is defined by these two. They feel safe together, not competitors but companions.

Such safety is not found easily today. It’s more common to hesitate in sharing thoughts and secrets because we’re unsure if who we share with will honor our trust. Yet we all yearn for the comfort of safe and dependable friends.

The first-century church experienced a lot of this companionable, trust-filled living. Those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah were joyful and zealous in their new-found faith, experiencing love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace for the first time. People were drawn to them because of the love they shared with one another as they experienced Jesus’ love for them. Community took on a whole new meaning.

“And all the believers met together in one place and shared EVERYTHING they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity–and all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being save.” Acts 2:44-47.

This kind of relationship sounds almost too good to be true. People willingly selling their possessions to help those in need. Joyfully gathering over meals together, worshiping together without fighting about doctrine and practices. And because of their love for one another, they enjoyed the goodwill of the people–others were attracted to who they were and what made them so gracious and grateful.

That’s the kind of relationships God intended us to have. We who believe in Him have often messed it up with our own opinions and attitudes when what we should be doing is loving each other. Period. No judgment. No criticism. Just love.

Sloane and Ward have a loving relationship because they see each other for who they are and choose to love one another. No comparison or criticism. Just joy in journeying together.

Loving others with no guile; true compassion and no comparison. Not judging, not condemning.

We who know Jesus have a lot to work on.