Understanding Our Need for Relationships and Wholeness
Introduction: Why We Need Each Other
Ever felt alone in a crowd, or wondered if you truly fit in? That’s something we all face. Deep down, every person wants to belong—to feel accepted, understood, and loved. Whether we’re sharing a meal with family, laughing with friends, or worshiping at church, our connections make life richer and more meaningful.
What Are “Circles of Sufficiency”?
Picture your life wrapped in a series of circles. The closest circle is your family and best friends, the next one includes church, neighbors, and coworkers, and it keeps expanding. Each group offers its own kind of support and comfort. These circles help us feel secure and give us confidence to be ourselves. When someone believes in us, it helps us grow. If children feel loved, they thrive; if adults feel supported, they find strength to face challenges. Our relationships shape who we are, what we believe, and how we see the world.
When Belonging Is Broken
But life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even people we trust can let us down. Maybe you weren’t picked for a team as a kid, or you felt left out at work or church. That sting of rejection can leave scars, making us question our worth and making it harder to trust or reach out to others. Sometimes we build walls to protect ourselves, but those walls can block the love and support we actually need.
Hope and Healing Through Lasting Connection
Even though human relationships can hurt or fall apart, there is one bond that never breaks: the love God has for us. The relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is completely whole and secure. When we root our lives in God’s love, we find the acceptance and belonging our hearts crave. God’s love is strong enough to heal even our deepest hurts, giving us the strength to build healthier, lasting relationships with others.
God’s plan was never for us to live with broken relationships or lonely hearts. He wants our circles to be life-giving, strong, and supportive. When we live in God’s love, our relationships become steadier, more forgiving, and more healing—and we’re able to love others more fully.
Following Christ’s Example in Relationships
So what does it mean to live like Christ? It means we love others the way He did—welcoming, accepting, and sticking by people, even when it’s hard. It means recognizing that everyone needs to belong, and inviting others into God’s unbreakable circle of love. When we do this, we shine a light for the world, showing what real community looks like.
Let’s work together to build strong circles of support, heal wounds of rejection, and invite others into God’s lasting love. Doing this doesn’t just change our own lives—it helps transform our families, our communities, and the world around us.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 