God doesn’t tell us how much time we’re to spend with others, how many friendships we should maintain, or which social activities we must do. Instead, He describes love this way:
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about in- justice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
When an expert in the law asked Jesus what it meant to love your neighbor, He replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan, a simple story about one person helping another.
Our social schedules aren’t a measuring stick for our spirituality. If you want to grow in love, measure nothing. Instead, make one connection, have one conversation, show kindness to one person at a time.
The people who impress me most aren’t the ones on stages or with the most likes. I’m impressed by those who show up and say, “Here I am. There you are. Let’s figure out how to love each other.” That’s a brave, fierce, world-changing thing.
Fear might tempt us to hide, but it’s not too late to show up. Insecurity might point out our imperfections, but grace invites us to come as we are. Shame might tell us to try harder, but our worth is an unearned gift.
Extend the invitation, send the text, start the conversation. I’m learning community isn’t something we find; it’s something we create one person at a time.
Cheering You On,
Holley
p.s. This is an excerpt from my new book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts (the book is currently 40% off + free shipping here). Find out how to receive the audiobook (and lots more) for free at holleygerth.com/introverts. We’re also talking about introverts and extroverts this week on the More than Small Talk podcast!
