Relationships | Daily Devotional

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

During the pandemic, I’ve heard the phrase, “We’re all in the same boat.” It’s true that we’re all experiencing the effects of the new socialization rules, uncertainties, schedule changes, and schooling environments. But I’ve also heard it clarified, “We’re in the same storm, but different boats.” While we are experiencing quarantine collectively, we are processing it as individuals. 

Cake or power tools?

A season that makes me want to hide under a blanket with a giant piece of cake has motivated my husband to tackle an undetermined number of home improvement projects. Instead of protesting our way as the best way, we can purpose this time to “look to the interests of others,” become expert listeners, and build relationships with the people God has placed in our lives. 

Go deep

We can start by deepening relationships with the people in our own home. James 1:19 encourages, “[L]et every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” The extra time around each other affords us plenty of opportunity to get to know our people more deeply. What gives your spouse energy? When is the best time for your kids to get focused learning? What’s burdening your roommate? How can you be quick to hear what’s on their heart?

Through quick listening, the Lord is able to strengthen our empathy muscles and enrich our relationships with our family.

Go wide

This quarantine is unique in that most of us have an abundance of technological means for connecting. Text, phone calls, Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, to name a few, are all at our fingertips.

Were work hours or lack of childcare keeping you from joining a weeknight community group? For the moment, you may actually have more ability to connect than you did before. Have you logged onto Zoom with your church family? Have you picked up the phone to check in on your friends far away? Have you joined a Bible study to get to know others you haven’t had the chance to meet yet? Taking advantage of these opportunities will open doors for building relationships. 

Think outside the box

Looking to the interests of others isn’t our natural tendency. It’s easier to look to our own interests. Want to read, but your kids want you to play? Want to mow the yard, but your wife wants your opinion on paint colors? To actively engage in the interests of others requires that we be slow to speak and quick to listen to the needs around us. Doing so will build a bond, grow a friendship, and shine the light of God’s love.  

Could we retrain ourselves to ask different questions? Would a book cheer a friend up? Send her one. Does my neighbor need some essentials? Do a porch drop off. Does my spouse want my company during a project? Cheerfully pull on your work gloves.  

We don’t have to wait until the pandemic ends to invest in the relationships God has given us. We can follow Jesus’ servant-hearted footsteps right now.

Lord, help us humble ourselves, be quick to listen, and get creative with how we take a genuine interest in those around us.