We love the idea of respectful relationships, but it’s easy for that to go wrong. In the world of aid and development they talk about three modes.
1 ) Relief (stopping the bleeding, I’ll do stuff for you),
2 ) Rehabilitation (We’ll help you get back to normal, I’ll do stuff with you),
3) Development (we walk together).
Have you experienced any of these three modes in either giver or receiver mode (remember the earthquake). How did those relationships go ? When were relationships respectful, and when not ? Why ?
In John 4 Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman we see him asking questions humbly and treating her with gentleness and respect.
How do we model with with others – seeking an ‘alongside’ approach ?