Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 13-16 | Romans 12

A friend of mine once shared a special phrase her family uses in order to better connect with each other. Whenever something exciting or impactful happens, they go up to someone they love and ask “Will you complete my joy?” Essentially, they are asking, “Because we love each other, will you let me share something else I love with you?” They are making bids for connection.

These five simple words point to something important in all of us - we have an innate desire to share things that bring us joy. In fact, our joy isn’t complete until we share it with others.

This is a characteristic that comes from God. When he formed the world, he intentionally designed humans to enjoy all of creation with him. God wanted us to complete his joy.

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

However, this isn’t something that should just go one way. Yes, God wants us to share wonderful things with each other, especially the amazing gift of grace that comes from Jesus, but he also wants us to take the part of the listener and complete the joy for someone else.

Philippians 2:4
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 

It’s all too easy to miss these bids for connection, opportunities to complete another’s joy. When we get distracted by our to-do lists, make assumptions about others’ intentions, or keep talking over someone else, we accidentally shut people down. This can end up making the people around us feel ignored and uncared for, even if that is the last thing we’d ever want to do.

What feels like a boring conversation to you is potentially a chance for someone to vulnerably and authentically share their passion with you. It’s an invitation for you to come closer and find joy in your shared relationship. In these moments, the kindest thing we can do is lean in and listen, just like God does for us.

Psalm 116:1-2
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

Questions:
Who can you spend intentional time with this week to help complete their joy?

Is there anyone you may have been ignoring recently that could use a listening ear?

Next Steps:
Next time you hear someone make a bid for connection, intentionally pause and respond. Get curious, ask questions, and resist the temptation to pull out your phone. Complete their joy by providing your full attention.

Spend time with God today, both telling him about anything on your heart and listening for whatever he might want to tell you.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for listening to me. You see me and you love me, and I am awed by your presence. Help me to love others like you do - responding and listening when they are trying to connect with me. Please give me the grace and patience to complete their joy, just as you complete mine. I love you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This post was written by Lydia Snyder, a South attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.