It seems that each year the Father has a themed lesson that He works on with me throughout the year. Sometimes I feel like certain lessons may not be related to the theme but then again, maybe they are.

As I reflect on the past years,  I can see how each lesson has been building on top of the one before.  For example:

2017 – He worked with me on having a judgmental heart.

2018 –  This was the year He taught me lessons about gratitude.

2019 – During 2019, He taught me how to change my perspective to be more God-centered.

2020 – This was the year I learned deeper lessons in walking out the Fruits of the Spirit.

2021 – This past year, He taught me lessons on how to love people as He loves them.

So what is the Father teaching me about this year?

This year He has been teaching me about relationships – because just feeling love for someone isn’t enough.

-Only through relationships can I know that person and what they have been through.  

-Only through relationships can I know where someone is in their walk.

-Only through taking the time to form relationships can I truly be a light in the darkness.

After all, how can I say that I am loving someone where they are at, if I don’t have a clue where they really are?

The Father has been pressing upon me that I am to walk as Messiah walked, loving my neighbors as myself, with kindness and understanding; exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit; serving others, and forming relationships.  It is only as I form relationships that I can truly be an example to others.  When people see me, they should see no judgment, pride, or anger, but instead they should feel and see shalom (peace) and the Fruits of the Spirit.  Through these relationships that I am building, I am able to show the love of the Father.

 I pray that anyone who is lost in any way, can see the Father in me, and will come and ask what I have that they don’t. Because it is so important that I remember that it is not my job to convince others that my beliefs are right and theirs are wrong. It is my job to point to the Father in word and deed. By that, I mean that it is my responsibility to make sure my actions line up with His word and demonstrate His love. 

Lately, I have been asking myself, “How I can show the love of the Father without ever saying a word?”  Using this strategy, I can form sincere relationships, love people where they are, serve them in ways they may need most, and pray that one day I will have the opportunity to point them to the source of what they see inside me: The Father.

[print_link}

About the Seeking Scripture Team: We are a group of believers from all walks of the faith, saved by grace alone through faith in our Messiah. While we are of one accord in many things, we are all works in progress and lifelong learners. Therefore the opinions of one may not always represent the opinions of all.

Aliisa DeSalvo
Latest posts by Aliisa DeSalvo (see all)