Between reading Acts and Psalms, I realized what a blessing it is to “be known.” Acts 1:24 acknowledges that God knows everyone’s hearts; Psalm 31:7 says, “I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction. You know the troubles of my soul” (CSB). I believe God has given each human a desire to be known, whether it’s by our family, our friends, or God. There’s something wonderful about people really knowing me! When I meet someone new, and they don’t even try to know more about me, I come away feeling disappointed. I remember feeling this way even as a child.
It’s not easy or quick to really know another person . . . or God. It takes time, diligence, and love. This idea is changing how I relate to people. This past week, we visited a church where I don’t know many people. One guy sat a row ahead of my family, and since we were there early, I decided to try to get to know him. I asked about his family, his siblings, how he’d spend Christmas this year. I learned more about him, and it will make talking to him again easier. I’d like to think that he went home happy, to know someone cared enough to dig a little deeper. It reminds me of Jesus when He “saw” an individual against the background of the crowd. He reached out to individuals. He noticed them.
Norman’s been saying for years now that, in order to bear one another’s burdens, we must know people well enough to know what burdens they have! I get it now! It’s so simple, yet I have missed it. To my shame, I haven’t always been interested enough to learn more about individuals. If they need help, I might reach out. Too often, people become projects.
Of course, not everyone is open to being known. I could have attempted to get to know the guy at church, and he could have answered in monosyllables, shutting me out. I can only do what I can do. Their response is up to them.
What better way to mirror God’s love for me than to love someone enough to get to know them! Sometimes it takes times of simply being together with someone before they feel ready to open up and share of themselves. Or feel like they can trust me. I’m like that, too! It’s also good not to overlook those closest to me (my children, husband, family members, church people). I have the opportunity to know these on a deeper level than those I see only occasionally. Haven’t you ever wished your parents understood you better? How about your spouse? Wish you knew what your kids were thinking or feeling? Part of the challenge is figuring out ways to draw them out, to make them feel comfortable revealing the inner workings of their hearts.
As we hang out with extended family and our church body in the coming days, let’s try to show greater interest in the people God brings into our circle. How well do you know each one? Who might be receptive to you? Who is on the fringes? Let’s learn to truly know better the people around us, one by one.
If you have suggestions for good questions to use or tips for getting to know others, please send a comment! I have lots of room to grow in this area.
