Living Intentionally in Loving, Truth-Filled Community

How slowing down and showing up can transform the way we live and love others.

Alarm sounds, I stir awake in my slumber, reach over and hit snooze, hoping for a bit more rest before my feet hit the floor for yet another busy day. Alarm rings again, this time, I wake, roll over and pet the dog who lays beside me in place of my husband, as his day has already begun. I do a little stretching while lying in bed, knowing that I will have stiffness and soreness from the night’s sleep. But alas, it is time to get out of bed, wake my children up to get started with their day, make coffee, breakfast, and if time, read my Bible. This I know, is most likely in the wrong order. 

Priorities are crucial in this “pressed for time” phase of life. And yet I know that when I take time to sit with the Lord, to be more intentional in His presence, His peace washes over me for the day and gives me the strength I need to get through each day. I realize His presence and peace is always there, yet even more so when I intentionally recognize Him. 

To live intentionally is to put into practice what we believe, want, and hope for.

The Google definition of intentional is "to do something on purpose, deliberately, or with conscious awareness and planning. It is the actions taken with a specific goal or design in mind." In other words, it takes forethought, planning, and being consciously aware of our words and actions. It is staying in the present moment with our focus and attention. In our world of constant distraction, this is hard to come by. We live in a world of noise, with convenience at our fingertips. When we live intentionally, we are thinking for ourselves, using our creativity, removing distractions from our lives to be fully present.

To love others is an action. We are created to be in community with one another. Just as it says in Hebrews 10, verses 24-25:

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Showing up for someone means putting away all distractions so that we can intentionally connect with them, learning more about their life, day to day interactions and struggles. Listening takes focus to hear what’s not being said, attending to their words and actions. It is being present, helping, supporting, showing up when needed, forgiving, and being humble.

It says in John chapter 15 verses 12 and 13: 

¹² This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus never turned away when another came to him, not even to children. He knelt down beside them and gave his full attention. Imagine doing that for others. 

To live truth-filled is to follow the ways of Jesus.

Are we living out what we believe and what the Bible says or do we change it to suit our lifestyles and needs? We must acknowledge our sin, ask forgiveness, repent, and move away from that sin. We can evaluate how we live and how this impacts others. The choices we make have an effect on other’s lives which may result in curiosity about God from those around us and drawing them closer to God.

A prayer for you to grow in intentional, truth-filled, loving community:

Dear loving Jesus, help us to reflect on how our words, actions, and choices are impacting others. Let us consider how You would respond, even if others are not living this way. Help us to be intentional in our daily lives. Amen. 

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About the Author

Kristin helps parents manage their children’s emotions and behavior through coaching and practical strategies. She supports children, teens, adults, and families as they navigate challenges and grow in confidence and connection.

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