The Conversation is the Relationship

THE CONVERSATION IS THE RELATIONSHIP (2 min. read)
In Ernest Hemingway's Classic, The Sun Also Rises, a bankrupt American is asked how his business failed. His reply, "gradually, then suddenly."

It's the same with us. Our careers, lives, and relationships fail or succeed, gradually then suddenly, one conversation at a time. Those conversations really matter. Who we invite to the conversation and our willingness to come out from behind ourselves and make it real is important.

If we examine our best relationships, the people we look forward to interacting with, chances our it started with a conversation that grew in frequency. If we examine our worst relationships, at some point the conversation stopped. A good self-reflection question for all of us is: "Who do I need to have a conversation with today?"

The same principle in our interpersonal relationships applies to our relationship with Jesus. What we talk about, how we talk about it, and the frequency of those conversations really matter. We don't have to be good at prayer (conversation) we just have to start by approaching Jesus humbly. Isn't that how we like to be approached too? What works for us interpersonally (sincerity, variety, excitement), works for the Lord frequently.

If we want to get closer to God? We need to have more frequent conversations throughout the day. We should talk to Jesus like we would a loving parent at the dinner table. We can tell him about our day, interests, concerns, and don't forget we need ask Him what's on His heart. Jesus' only "don't" when He taught about prayer was to avoid sterile, ritualistic, and repetitive conversations. He wants messy and heartfelt; advising people to find a private place so it will be between us and Him. Incredible!

-indebted to Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

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