GUARDING AGAINST FAMILIARITY

GUARDING AGAINST FAMILIARITY

28TH JUNE 2026

Christ for Youth International

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. [Hebrews 3:13]

The quickest way to humanise those we admire is to meet them. Oftentimes, the further away a thing is, the more glorious it appears. Bring it closer and the imperfections become glaringly obvious. And in true human fashion, we no longer see the good we once saw. I guess the workaround would then be to keep people at a distance. Get close, but not too close. Open up, but don’t go too deep, and you’ll be just fine. But that isn’t the answer.

Instead of retreating and putting walls up, we must actively decide to speak out and communicate the value we see and experience. No one is all bad. If you look closely enough, you will find something to appreciate. Likewise, no one is perfect. Everyone has flaws, weaknesses, and imperfections and the longer we know someone, the easier those imperfections are to see. The danger is that familiarity trains our eyes to notice what is wrong while ignoring what is right.

One of the most effective ways to fight this is through verbal appreciation. When we intentionally communicate the value, we see in someone, we reinforce it in our own hearts. We remind ourselves of the reasons we were grateful in the first place. This is why encouragement is so powerful. It does not merely build up the person receiving it; it also guards the heart of the person giving it. Gratitude expressed is gratitude preserved.

Don’t just think appreciation, speak it. Don’t just feel thankful, say it. Communicate the value of what God has placed in your life and don’t let familiarity convince you it isn’t special.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for a shift in perspective. Instead of being quick to find fault, may our eyes be trained to see the good that is present. Help us to recognize and appreciate the blessings, people, and gifts You have placed in our lives and may we be intentional and vocal with our appreciation. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 // Colossians 3:16

Bible in One Year: Proverbs 13–16

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