Discovering the Power of Agape Love

Chapter 4: The Value of Connection

Chapter 4: The Value of Connection
Music:Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong United

Main Verse: ‭John 15:4-7 ESV‬
[4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. [7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Highlight Verse: John 15:4-7 ESV

[7] If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

A relationship should be seen, known and valued. Two or more interacting with each other and building trust to know the needed things and help one another. In life, we are connecting to our loved ones, treating them with love and care. This is for everyone, to have a union and recognize the ability of each other, similarities and differences.

Living on this Earth, connection is a must. This is not just only for our family, friends, partners but of course to all people around us. Why? Because it will lead us to self-awareness and fosters empathy. But later on, the most important part is having connection with God. He is the one that we really need to connect with. God holds everything, He controls anything. (Colossians 1:17)

I also believe now, having a connection with Him will lead you to the right path and have understanding to your life. He is a Sovereign God, He will help us to answer all the queries in our life. Above all, we can have a healthy relationship once we focus on having a better connection with Him. A connection that gives a positive vibe, validation, support and love.

When I am not yet a believer, I am always looking forward to the value of my connection that I have. I want the best, I want expansion. Still, I failed. I am trying to find ways to fix it if there's a problem. But most of the results were not good, so I ended up disappointing myself. No matter how I do my part, it is not enough. I always receive little space that makes me think about my abilities.

As years go by, I received an invitation from my sister for a fellowship. That day, I am just trying to go because I am free and I feel it is interesting.

"Are you ready sis? The time for youth fellowship will start by 4p.m." my sister explained while we were having a merienda time in our sala.

"Are you going too? Yes, I am ready!" Even though I am not sure if she will come, I choose to go, to have friends and I want to try their gathering about youth fellowship.

"Yes I will be there, sis! I will come with you, our cousin Shaina will be there too.

"Okay! I'll prepare myself now. You too, sis!" I said joyfully.

After a couple of minutes of preparation, random questions arise in my mind. What does it look like? Is this my beginning for a connection with God?

Suddenly, my sister called me. We arrived at the Living Church that she mentioned earlier.

Minutes passed, I am now familiarising myself here. All of the things that I see right now are new to me. But their presence is lively and full of joy.

They accommodate us with proper treatment, I can see in their eyes that they are doing this wholeheartedly.

"Hi, welcome to our youth fellowship! I am Dianna, one of the leaders here." A long black hair presented.

I give her a sweet smile. My sister responded, "Hi Ate Dianna, this is my sister Jela. The second sibling."

Dianna shook her hands to me and smiled afterwards. The chair was arranged into 4 rows and I could see boys and girls sitting there. They are so friendly. Even though I was in the third row, they waved and said hi to me.

Until we begin, there are bands at the front where their background is simple with crosses at the back.

The music begins, the girl who holds the mic starts singing. It was calm and a melody to my ear. I felt the hair rise on my skin while they were singing.

I was also getting excited, joining their clapping and getting the tone of the song until I wanted to join them too. This is my first time, but everything was smooth. Everything is engaging and interactive.

I am still observing, can they unite for every song. The energy is equally revolving. It takes 20 minutes, until the last song is sung by the girl in front.

I read the title of the song on the TV that they have.

Lead me to the cross.

I feel something is wrong...

My fur rose, feeling the warm air until I closed my eyes and felt the song.

The rhythm hugging me, the words touch my lips and the silence gives me peace and joyful tears.

Every line is calling me. Every note reaching me, the impact is now controlling my emotions.

Until prayer revealed by the song leader. Her prayer continues to connect to my sleeping soul.

***

The day that I decided to go, I found great news and the beginning of my relationship with Jesus. I did not regret that because I have started my connection with Him and know Him more.

I am now reading His words, in the book of John 15:5. This verse says, He is the vine and we are His branches, to those with Him we can produce fruit but without Him we are nothing. In short, we need Him, we need to connect to our God and see the goodness and blessings that He prepares for us.

My relationship with God is more vital than others, I also found peace whenever I am with Him. Especially at those times I am weak and experienced struggles in life.

He is my one call away and always there for me. I know there are times I forgot connecting with Him,but His understanding remains and love. Lately, I am seeking and spending time with His words. The word that gives life and nourishes my soul. I am enjoying listening to worship songs throughout the whole day. Praying and talking with Him is the best. These things are precious, these moments that I do with Him are my ways to stay connected to our Lord.

I realized that valuing others' connections isn't necessary. I must rely and focus on God and always connect with Him. Tell all my wishes, my problems and even complaints.

The connection that I was having right now with Him is more important than others. God helped me to grow my genuine relationship with Him and my loved ones. I am now cherishing it, with His love and fulfilling the joy and laughter because of Him.

***