"People matter most." That is a phrase I heard long ago, but continue to think about regularly. Although I confess I do not always live that truth out as fully as I should, I still believe it to be true. Of course, as we know from the first commandment, God is first and above all. But in terms of things on earth, "people matter most."
In today's devotion, Luther, as he reflects on Christ's sacrifice writes, "He has done all this in order that I may belong to him..." We belong to God. Because we belong to God and live in that relationship, we begin to understand the importance of all our relationships. God relates to us. We relate to God. We relate to one another. As the author writes, "We know that life is better when we are loved and when we love. We know that life is best experienced in community- in spaces where we can share our fears and joys and questions." What are your most important relationships? Who do you most care about and love? Where do you experience meaningful community? As you reflect on these questions, give thanks today for those relationships and think about how you can care for them in the very best way possible. "People matter most."
Relationships can be hard. Making myself vulnerable to someone else can lead to disappointment and pain. I often prefer to focus on my relationship with God rather than with others. This devotion's reminder that we are "created for relationship by a relational God" encourages me to reach out and make an effort to be more connected with others.
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