Psalm 144:3 Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Here is the basis of relationship, to take knowledge of one another. We relate to one another primarily because we open up our lives to one another and share knowledge of self. We are attracted to others who share common interests. That is natural because our nature is to shed loneliness and we are comforted in common interest.

When people come into our church they do not know anyone. We have greeters who are warm and inviting. That does not say much about them as individuals but it represents the ideals of our church. In that they represent the church as a whole. As individuals we have to inquire with earnest interest with new comers to gain some knowledge of them. Names are a good start, that is important. People feel unimportant if you cannot remember their names.

Some people are very open with who they are and know how to gravitate to likeminded people. It is the ones who do not find it easy that need special attention. Perhaps they do not like to be pressed. They may find our brand of hospitality as different and uncomfortable. But they are in our midst for a reason and that is something. “What brings you to us today?” Anything that brings information to light is the beginning of relationship.

Most of us are looking to relate to someone to quiet the loneliness. Community brings security but that sense of community, belonging, is a two-way conversation. We have to share a little about ourselves without dominating the conversation. “I am retired.” That says I have time and leaves room for questions. If they ask questions it indicates they are looking to relate. Discovery is a personal quest and if we overshare, we kill the incentive for discovery.

Can you relate to this? Have you felt this way? Are you seeking? Then share yourself.