– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/18/2024

I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!

                           1 Thessalonians 5:11–13 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                    THE WAY HE WANTS YOU TO LIVE

The verses above highlight the significance of supporting and uplifting one another on our journeys. They remind us that we are called to strengthen each other through encouragement and love. It is perfectly acceptable to set boundaries if someone brings negativity, gossip, or drains your energy and that of those around them. Not everyone can be saved by you; they might be better suited for a different group or social circle. 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t uplift them, but you may need to do so from a distance. People can be supported and encouraged from afar.

Social media friends are not true friends; they are individuals who might be experiencing similar situations as you. These platforms are not genuine meeting places; they primarily serve as highlight reels. The people who truly know you are the ones who can provide lasting energy and support. In contrast, social media can deplete your energy faster than the close connections in your life can replenish it.

– Where do we go from here?

It’s important to create a supportive environment that emphasizes positivity and genuine connections. Start by assessing your relationships—identify which ones uplift you and which ones drain your energy. Set boundaries with individuals who bring negativity into your life, allowing yourself the freedom to love and support them from a distance. Focus on nurturing relationships with people who truly understand you and can offer lasting encouragement. Additionally, be mindful of your social media interactions; while these platforms can help us connect, they often lack the depth of real-life friendships. Consider dedicating time to engage with those who enrich your life, fostering a community that empowers and uplifts one another in meaningful ways.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, as we move forward, help us cultivate a supportive environment filled with positivity and genuine connections. Grant us the wisdom to evaluate our relationships, recognizing those who uplift us and those who may drain our energy. Give us the strength to set healthy boundaries with negativity, allowing us to love and support others from a distance when necessary. Guide us in nurturing relationships with those who truly know us and provide lasting encouragement. Help us be mindful of our social media interactions, reminding us that true friendship thrives in real-life connections. May we dedicate time to engage with those who enrich our lives, fostering a community that empowers and uplifts one another in meaningful ways. Amen.