In the Kingdom of God, relationships function as “Circles of Sufficiency”. This means that in a circle of relationships, any believer in that circle has a Kingdom view of his relationship with every other person in that circle whether that person is a believer or not. The believer’s goal is to encourage others to feel sufficient – in other words, to feel that they have worth and value, that they matter. And loving them with “agape” love, the Greek word for the highest form of unconditional and self-sacrificing God-like love. (Romans 15:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24)
A CIRCLE OF FOUR
The smallest “Circle of Sufficiency” a person can be in is a “Circle of Four”. The four in the circle are the Father, the Son, the Spirit, and you. Obviously, this is the triune God and yourself. Several truths rise to the surface when you think about this carefully. First, you are never, never, never ever alone. Driving in the car by yourself you are not alone. You are in a “Circle of Four” where the truth about you is spoken, and you are reminded of who you really are – your true identity. Second, you are always outnumbered. Any time you are tempted to put yourself down or begin moving through life in your false identity, Father, Son and Spirit will come to your rescue and speak truth to you. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Isaiah 41:10)
CONNECTING WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE TRINITY
Why call out the three members of the Trinity individually? Because “Circles of Sufficiency” are about relationships, and we relate to each person of the Trinity differently. We relate to a perfect, loving Heavenly Father from the prodigal son story as well as the symbolism of the shepherd. We connect with Jesus, the Son because he has been human like us and understands what that is like from experience. With regard to the Spirit, in Him we have an advocate who stands up for us and abides in us, always convicting and coaching us as to what is good and right, and what is in the Father’s will. These three love you perfectly and want an interactive experience in life with you. (Luke 15:11-32; Hebrews 4:14-16, 13:5-6; John 14:26-27)
SETTING ASIDE DEFENSIVENESS AND BEING LESS OFFENDABLE
It is in our “Circle of Four” that we find our true identity, our worth and value, and our self-image. We find ourselves whole and complete because our smallest circle says it is so. This has powerful implications for all our other circles. If I am whole and complete in my “Circle of Four” then I am not looking for worth and value or an identity from any other relationship. I do not look to a partner, parent, or any other person for my self-worth. And it is only then that I can set aside defensiveness and be less offendable. (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:17-19; Luke 6:27-31)
LOVING PERFECTLY WITH AN UNSELFISH HEART
Without defensiveness, I can love others with “agape love” in a deeper and more genuine way from the heart. To love in this way is to simply desire genuine good for the people I am relating with. My feelings may object and even at times my logical brain may protest, but I know that as a believer I am to love in this way. (John 13:34-35)
BEING LOVED PERFECTLY FOR WHO I AM
I am able to love people with agape love because that is how I am loved. As I am cared for, I care. As I am forgiven, I forgive. As I am valued, I value. As good is willed for me, I will good for others. As I am loved unconditionally, I love without condition. As sacrifices have been made for me, I love others sacrificially. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
EXPERIENJCING LARGER CIRCLES
As your “Circles of Sufficiency” grow you will experience more peace, contentment, security and adventure in your relationships. Peace and contentment come when you realize you don’t require or earn anything from your larger circles because you get that in your “Circle of Four”. Security comes when your true identity is your operating identity, even in a circle that does not feel sufficient. And you find adventure as you watch to see what God is up to in each circle you encounter throughout a day. Remember He is always working in you, around you, and through you in all your circles. (Philippians 4:7, 11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Proverbs 3:26; Jeremiah 29:11-14)