October 30, 2019 –
Four Levels of Relationships
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts. 1:8)
Our level of caring varies according to our attitudes toward the people involved in the relationship. We care for a close friend and often are uncaring and even unconcerned towards others.
JERUSALEM: Close Friend, a favored companion.
This level is for a loyal friend who loves and protects you; the friend interested in your spiritual well-being. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” — Exod.33:11
JUDEA: Friends, persons attached to others by affection or esteem.
This level is for the friend who has some things in common with you, who, you enjoy being around; a friend who has a common interest in hobbies, vocation, sports, etc. “A friend loves at all times.”—Prov. 17:17
SAMARIA: Acquaintances, the persons whom one knows but who are not particularly close
friends.
You either know these individuals by name or face. They range from people at your work site to residents of your neighborhood to fellow members of an organization (including the church) and may even include relatives. “By this, all men will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”—John. 13:35
THE WORLD: Neighbors, the World, any person we encounter who has any need. Everyone!
This level is the universe that includes the other three subset levels of relationships. God has created all persons, in His image and must be respected and loved. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Gal. 5:14