We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Polly Barcol.
Bible Reading:
Hebrews 10:25
“… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Word:
Any fellow introverts out there? Then you know how difficult it is to be around a lot people. You see, for introverts it is draining to be around people for any length of time. Any extroverts out there? Well, you are energized by being around people. So, guess who is cheering at this verse and who is not.
My husband is an extrovert, and I am an introvert, so when we first got married, he wanted to go to every church function, every Fellowship of Christian Athletes event, etc. I tried to keep up, but it quickly burned me out and I was left asking, “What is wrong with me?” I didn’t want to be around Christian people all the time.
Many times, introverts are left feeling this way, but let me point out that extroverts have their own vice. Many times, their relationships are more surface level with a lot of people. The positive about being an introvert is we usually have fewer relationships, but they go deeper and long term.
The good news is that I believe Jesus demonstrated both. He spoke to large crowds that gathered (Luke 14:25), but he spent time with his small group of disciples (Matthew 20:17) and even the smaller group of three disciples (Matthew 17:1). So, introverts may need to step out in faith and stretch themselves by joining large groups, but extroverts may need to stretch themselves by deepening their relationships with a
few people.
However, it is okay to lean into the one you are most comfortable with majority of the time. God made you uniquely and has people he wants you to enjoy time with and minister with. We need each other whether it is in a large or a small group to encourage one another regularly.
Prayer:
Lord, may I embrace how you have made me and enjoy the people you have put in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Ask Jesus how He wants to stretch you relationally. Put something on the calendar that stretches you.
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