How to Know a Person- Being Seen 9.28.25
Sermon Recap
This week we turned the mirror around. Instead of focusing on how we see others, we asked: What does it mean to let ourselves be seen? To be known?
Our culture tells us that strength equals independence—that maturity means handling life on our own. But Jesus calls us into a different way of relating: one of interdependence, vulnerability, and grace. He invites us to cut the strings of obligation and competition that keep us from truly knowing and being known.
Paul modeled this in Philippians 4 when he thanked the church for their gift. Instead of keeping score in a transactional way, he placed their relationship in God’s economy of grace. That shift frees us from resentment, entitlement, and score-keeping.
Being known means more than letting people see our highlight reel. It means asking for help, receiving kindness, and celebrating others—even when it’s hard. This isn’t weakness. It’s one of the ways God draws us closer to each other, and closer to Himself
Go a Little Deeper
Luke 6:32–36 – Jesus calls His followers beyond reciprocity: to love, help, and give without expecting anything in return. How does this challenge our modern assumptions about relationships?
Philippians 4:14–20 – Notice Paul’s language. Instead of promising repayment, he reframes their gift as a sacrifice pleasing to God. What does this say about the way grace redefines relationships?
In the ancient world, honor and shame acted like social currency. In what ways do we still live with that mindset today?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think asking for help can feel so uncomfortable? What keeps you from doing it?
2. How do “strings” (expectations, obligations, score-keeping) show up in your relationships?
3. Can you think of a time when someone’s act of kindness or generosity felt difficult to receive? Why?
4. Jesus calls us to celebrate good in others—even those we don’t naturally like. What might that look like in your week ahead?
Practice to Try
This week, live out the three-fold challenge:
1. Ask for help with something you normally wouldn’t.
2. When someone does something kind for you or says something encouraging, just say “thank you” and receive it as a gift.
3. Celebrate something good happening for someone else—especially someone you’re not naturally drawn to.
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Closing Prayer
God, You know us fully and love us completely. Teach us to open ourselves to others with honesty and humility. Give us courage to ask for help, grace to receive kindness, and joy to celebrate others. May Your Spirit form us into a people who live not by score-keeping, but by grace. Amen.
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