We expect people to understand. We expect them to go out of their way to accommodate or do what we feel we need because we’re empty or hurting or selfish. And when they fail, when they don’t give us what we want, we harden our hearts towards them. We distance ourselves or we make excuses to cut them out because we feel they failed us.

But if we alter that perspective. If we begin to love people for who they are, instead of what we can get from them, we can pivot our thoughts. We can see how God designed the planet to function. We begin to rely on God to provide for our needs, and we don’t suffocate the people around us in desperation.

We tend to have two perspectives with people. We either rely on them too much, or we don’t count on them at all.  It’s like loving someone with a closed fist or loving them by hovering nearby.

God created us to be with one another and to help one another. Rather than being avoidant, we should engage. Not being clingy or smothering others, but engaging in healthy ways.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because lover covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” -1 Peter 4:8-10

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” -Ephesians 5:19-21