Relational God

Recently, our missions team was reminded of some awesome truths about God. These truths were revealed in the context of a workshop entitled "Practical Ways to Share Christ with Your Neighbors." Out of the these truths, perhaps the biggest was a reminder that the God we serve is a God of Relationships. God is in relationship with Himself in the form of the Trinity. God desired relationship with his people, the Children of Israel, Christ became Immanuel, God With Us, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Is there any wonder then that the key to reaching others with the gospel begins with relationships? Here are few suggestions from a friend of mine who led the workshop. When sharing Christ with your neighbors remember to:

1) Make sure that your actions are consistent with your beliefs.
2) Figure out the climate where your neighbors are.
3) Remember the acronym F.R.O.M. Family, Recreations, Occupations, commit to Memory.
4) Become comfortable in your own skin. Be real when your around your neighbors.
5) Be creative.
6) Learn to celebrate and mourn. Allow others to celebrate and mourn for with/for you as well.
7) Remember everyone is an expert at something.
8) Remember the Holy Spirit is at work and His wisdom surpasses your own.
9) Practice the 5.3 Theory. Don't try to do everything yourself.
10) Don't place too much upon your neighhbors at one time. Treat them like a bridge with a spiritual weight limit until the relationship is stronger.