Learning to Love: “How are you?”

How many times have we heard “How are you?” I think the most common answer I have heard is “Fine.” Followed by “O.K.” or “Good”, and often it is followed by someone feeling obligated to ask “How are you?” in return.

Why do we say these words? Are they a greeting, a question, an icebreaker, or a meaningful attempt to engage someone in real dialog?
For someone who is lonely,, hurting, grieving, disillusioned, or in the midst of struggle those three words can bring pain, confusion, and frustration.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

God calls us to “live a life of love”. Would you be willing to stop asking “How are you?” unless you really mean it and are willing to stop and listen to whatever the other person tells you in return, even if it includes, pain or frustration?

Taking the posture to serve you the best

Pastor Brad Grey shared with his church that the very day that he and his wife lost their first child due to a miscarriage, was the same day his best friend and wife gave birth to their first child.

His best friend’s response was: “Brad, I love you. I’m sorry. If it takes you one month, if it takes you six months, if it takes you a year, if it takes you two years before you can even lay eyes on my daughter then I am absolutely okay with that. Because I will take whatever posture is necessary to serve you the best.”

Can you imagine how different our world would be if we lived with a posture of serving others the best? What if those we served had the same response to us in return? How can you serve others the best? Don’t just think about it, live it! Who can you start with? Your spouse? Your child? Your co-worker? Someone you are angry with? Someone you are in broken relationship with? Someone who is in need? Someone you don’t understand? Someone you love enough to sacrifice for?