friend, are you adding value to relationships?

Every person I’ve ever met has needs. Whether they are billionaires, millionaires, professors, doctors, lawyers, pastors or politicians, they all have needs. The rest of the world also has needs, even normal people like you and me 😊. Maybe you are a (retired) police officer, nurse, secretary, store clerk or maybe you run your own business. It doesn’t matter who; we all have needs. Do you have needs? What are they?  I used to be so insecure. I felt like I didn’t measure up. My focus was generally on me until God touched me, healed me and reconciled me to His love. My teachers, pastors and counselors had a huge impact on my mental health. I’m so grateful to God and to them. It may seem to some that I’ve experienced all this amazing care. You may be thinking, “Oh God, that’s unfair, why did Paul Marc receive all this special attention?”  The answer is quite simple: I went out and pursued it. I read, prayed, memorized the Word, paid for courses, sought counseling and faithfully attended church. It’s not an accident that I became a healthy person. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV)   friend, you can become healthy, too. Once you are healthy, you can build healthy relationships. Go out and get what you need. Don’t wait for your ship to come in; swim out and grab it.  Okay, your new focus is personal health. Once you are healthier, you will be able to walk into a room, business or family gathering and add value. Everyone needs what you have. They need healing, love and good self-esteem. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV) I’m praying you will add value to three people a day this week. Can you imagine 21 people encouraged, affirmed and inspired by your words and actions? You will no longer be looking for others to fill your tank and meet your needs. Your tank has been filled with the Spirit of God and a lot of hard work. Now you will fill their tanks. Wow!  You are a difference maker, and you are a miracle.