I have been/am a part of organizations or groups that are cold and lifeless without any emotional attachment. I have been/am treated as though I am just a machine that only gets attention when it is breaking down and needs to be replaced (yes I said that right, not repaired, but replaced).
“8How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.” – Hosea 11:8-9 (ESV)
I see the total opposite approach in the verses above. God has such an emotional relationship with Israel that He refuses to give up on them. Yes He is hurt and angry with them for their actions and betrayal, but His love for them will not allow Him to destroy or seek a replacement for them as seen in verse nine. God loves and cares for the nation of Israel and love is replicated with me as an heir to heaven thanks for the salvation I have accepted from him.
God pours Himself into me all the time. He blesses me, provides for me, and most of all He forgives me when I sin against Him. Unlike the bulk of the world that gives up on others, God’s compassionate, emotional relationship with me does not allow Him to give up on me, His love only grows stronger and is more evident.
When you look at the relationships you have, what actions do you have when something goes awry? Are you one that looks for replacements to the machines that you work with? What if you were to dig into your compassion as God does and demonstrate your emotional relationship with others to repair them?
Trevor's Thoughts 