The Need to Connect

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. –Ephesians 5:1-2

A study* was conducted some years ago to determine the cause of the rising number of mental health, ADD, anxiety, emotional and behavioral disorders becoming more prevalent among children and adolescents in the U.S. The conclusion of this study was that children lack connectedness in relationships to both people and the spiritual.

Children especially desire boundaries, encouragement and nurturing, but we all have a deep need to feel connected and loved. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. Giving and loving and thinking beyond yourself can make a world of difference in someone else’s life.

You are to be an imitator of God, a vessel and representative of His love. Therefore, you need a personal relationship with God. You must know his heart so you can reflect it.

What are you doing to make sure you imitate the love of God in your daily life? What kinds of sacrifice must you make?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of ways that you can imitate God’s love in an ordinary day.

2. Why does sacrifice often come as a part of loving someone?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 13:8-14; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:15-17

* Hardwired to Connect: The New Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities by The Commission on Children at Risk, 2003.