The Table

I love gathering around a table over a meal and having great conversation. It’s actually one of my love languages to spend quality time with others with amazing food or coffee. I’ve also spent time with people from other countries that spend hours around the table over a meal, conversing over everything from the food to their jobs to family issues to heavy, deep and real talk. It’s what happens when we gather. We share our lives and hear each other’s hearts. It can also be the place where hard things are admitted, where tears are shed and where healing can take place. 

I recently heard someone say that conflict is an opportunity for intimacy. Wow! It totally changes the way I see conflict now. For some, having conflict in your relationships is a scary thing. For some, it’s exciting! And for others it is something you try to avoid at all costs. As a former “avoid conflict at all costs” woman, I now see that there’s no way to avoid conflict in our relationships but there’s a beautiful, healthy way to navigate conflict. Conflict is necessary for growth and to become more like Jesus. Handled biblically, it can actually deepen our relationships. 

I believe God desires that we be women that love fiercely through the good, the bad and the ugly. Colossians 3:12-13 is a passage that we should take to heart, bear graciously with one another, and forgive one another as we walk through life together. We need to show the world what it means to stay committed to one another as we invite others to our table. 

With the help of Holy Spirit leading us, what would happen if we were women that were humble enough to apologize when we are wrong and created a safe enough place for others to work through their mess? Healing, reconciliation, laughter, relief…it’s a beautiful thing watching God move in the midst of our friendships as we humble ourselves and share our lives. 

Much love, 

Jeverna King 

3 Questions: 

1- What’s your favorite memory around the table? 

2- How do you handle conflict in your friendships?  

3- Who can you invite to your table to continue building a friendship with?  

2 Verses to think on: 

“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.” – Colossians 3:12-13 (AMP) 

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” -James 5:16 (NLT)  

1 Challenge: 

Invite someone to your table to share a meal with.