Have you ever willingly given up a close relationship you had with someone? I don’t mean a simple breakup (though they’re usually messy), a friend, or a family member. I’m talking about the kind of relationship that is deep-seeded and full of a system of reliances, trusts, memories and struggles.
The Bible Study group I’m in has grown too big for my house. We meet every Thursday, and 35 people are one-too-many to fit in my living room anymore. So, we’re splitting up into two smaller groups and meeting at different houses.
This may not seem like that big of a deal. In all retrospect though, it is. You see, our Bible Study group is a network of community and fellowship–the kinds that are mentioned throughout the Bible itself (if you ever take the time to examine Jesus’ relationship with his disciples and the friendships that seemed like brotherhoods). As the “body” of Christ, which consists of any Christian, we are a brotherhood… a family.
Not just for the sake of belonging, oh no, but within this group we make deep connections and get to know each other on an intense level–friendships that can usually survive simple trials because they are not based on what we can get from each other, but how we can love the other person despite our feelings. In the grand scheme of things, as a Christian, you slough off your own self and put others first. I adamantly hold to this.
But since we are splitting, people I’ve met with twice a week and hung out with on many occasions are going to be leaving me. Er, I’m leaving them. It’s a very sad thing, but at the same time, I’m joyful. Roommates are moving out. Relationships are shifting.
It’s hard for me to accept, however. Still, I’d rather have had the chance to know them than never to have known them at all.
Tags: God, relationships
