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Encountering God through others

Updated: Jul 29


Philosophy View of Encounter

Encountering means meeting or encountering someone or something unexpectedly or by chance. It involves a sudden or unplanned interaction or experience that can have a significant impact. When you encounter someone, you might talk to them, see them, or engage in some activity together. When you encounter something, like a problem or a new idea, you face it or become aware of it for the first time. Encounters can be positive, like meeting a new friend, or challenging, like facing a difficult situation. In a broader sense, encountering can also mean experiencing something in a way that changes your understanding or perspective. For example, encountering God through others means recognizing and experiencing God's presence and love through interactions with people around you.


Biblical View of Encounter

Many of us seek a direct encounter with God, hoping for a powerful experience that transforms our lives. However, the Bible teaches that one of the most profound ways we can encounter God is through our relationships with others. From Genesis to Revelation, we see how God reveals Himself through people families, friends, strangers, and even enemies. In the Bible, this often refers to moments when people experience God's presence in surprising ways.


According to the book of Genesis 28:16, Jacob says, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it," after he encounters God in a dream. The alternative is Exodus 3:2, where Moses encounters God in the burning bush. The verse says, "There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush."

Encountering can also mean meeting others and recognizing God's presence in them. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me," showing that serving others is a way to encounter Him.


God's Image in Humanity

The Bible begins with the creation story, where God makes humans in His image. Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This verse reassures us that every person bears the image of God. When we look at others, we see a reflection of God. Treating others with respect and dignity is a way of honouring God Himself. When we love and serve others, we are loving and serving God.


Family Is The First Community

Our initial interactions with others often occur within our family. The Bible contains numerous stories that illustrate how God operates within the dynamics of family relationships. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy (Genesis 37). Despite this betrayal, God used Joseph's hardships to save his family and many others from famine. Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Through Joseph's story, we see how God can work through family relationships, even when they are difficult, to bring about His purposes.


A reflection of God's Love Through Friendship

Friendships are another way we encounter God. The Bible highlights several examples of godly friendships, like David and Jonathan. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, loved David as he loved himself (1 Samuel 18:1-3). Their friendship was marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and mutual support. In 1 Samuel 20:17, it says, "Jonathan made David reaffirm his oath out of love for him because he loved him as he loved himself." Through such friendships, we experience God's love and care.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of friendship. In John 15:13, He said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Jesus calls us friends and demonstrates this ultimate love by dying for us. Through our friendships, we can reflect on this selfless love and encounter God in a deep and meaningful way.


In the Unexpected, God Meets Us As Strangers

The Bible advocates for the practice of hospitality towards strangers, suggesting that such acts may unknowingly serve as hospitality to angels. Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have unwittingly entertained angels." This passage implies that divine encounters can occur through interactions with strangers in the most unexpected of ways.

In the Old Testament, the story of Abraham illustrates this principle. Abraham once noticed three men standing near his home and welcomed them in, offering sustenance and shelter (Genesis 18:1-8). These visitors were divine messengers, who brought the tidings that Sarah would bear a son. Through his act of hospitality, Abraham had an encounter with God and received the promise of his son, Isaac.


Helping the Needy: Serving Jesus in Disguise

Jesus taught us that when we help those in need, we are serving Him. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus describes the final judgment, where the righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. The righteous are surprised and ask, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?" Jesus replies, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

This illustrates that encountering God occurs through acts of kindness and service to others. By assisting those in need, we serve Jesus Himself. Such a viewpoint shifts our perception of service from simply a duty to a divine encounter with God.


Learning To Love Your Enemies As God Does

Jesus also challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In Matthew 5:44-45, He says, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." Loving our enemies is one of the hardest commands to follow, but it is a powerful way to encounter God’s grace and forgiveness.

In the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, we see an example of this love. As Stephen was being stoned to death, he prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). Stephen’s prayer echoes Jesus’ words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). Through Stephen’s example, we see how encountering God’s forgiveness can enable us to forgive others, even our enemies.


Churches Are Communities Of Believers

The church is another significant way we encounter God through others. The Bible describes the church as the body of Christ, with each member playing a unique and important role. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul explains that just as a body has many parts, so does the church. Each member is essential, and we need one another to function properly.

Acts 2:42-47 gives a beautiful picture of the early church. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared everything they had, sold property to give to anyone in need, and met together daily. This community life was a powerful witness to God’s love and presence among them.

The church provides a space for fellowship, support, teaching, and encouragement. In this communal setting, we encounter God through collective worship, listening to His Word, and serving alongside one another. It serves as a concrete manifestation of God's love and offers an environment conducive to the growth of our faith.


The Role Of Parents As Models Of God's Love And Discipline

Parents play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of God. The Bible often uses the parent-child relationship to describe God's love for us. In Isaiah 66:13, God says, "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." Similarly, in Matthew 7:11, Jesus says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Parents are called to model God's love, care, and discipline. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, "Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Through loving and guiding their children, parents can help them understand and experience God's love and guidance.


Providing Faith, Wisdom, And Compassion Through Mentors And Teachers

Mentors and teachers are another way we encounter God through others. The Bible is full of examples of mentorship, such as Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and Paul and Timothy. These relationships show how important it is to have someone guide us in our faith journey.

Paul's letters to Timothy are a great example of mentorship. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." Paul encouraged and instructed Timothy, helping him grow in his faith and ministry.

We can seek out mentors and teachers who can guide us in our walk with God. Through their wisdom and experience, we can encounter God in new and deeper ways.


Children: Innocent Reflections of God's Kingdom

Children also help us encounter God through their innocence, trust, and simplicity. Jesus valued children and used them as examples of the kind of faith we should have. In Matthew 18:3-4, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Spending time with children can remind us of the importance of humility, trust, and dependence on God. Their pure and simple faith can inspire us to approach God with the same openness and honesty.


Encountering God Through Acts of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful way to encounter God through others. When we forgive, we reflect God's grace and mercy. In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." By forgiving others, we not only free ourselves from bitterness but also experience God's forgiveness more deeply.

The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates forgiveness. The father welcomes his wayward son back with open arms, symbolizing God's unconditional love and forgiveness. This parable teaches us about the joy and restoration that come with forgiveness.


Conclusion

Encountering God through others is a central theme in the Bible. Whether through family, friends, strangers, the needy, enemies, the church, parents, mentors, children, or acts of forgiveness, we have countless opportunities to see God's presence in our interactions with others. Each relationship and encounter offers a unique way to experience and reflect God's love, grace, and truth.

As we reflect on encountering God through others, let us remember the power of our relationships. Every act of kindness, love, and forgiveness brings us closer to God and each other. Embrace these moments, for through them, we can see God’s presence and grow in our faith and understanding.


As we strive to love and serve others, we draw closer to God and grow in our faith. By recognizing the divine image in every person, we can transform our relationships into sacred encounters



 

 

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Lizzydebbie5
22 de jul.
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

Great information

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