| RELATIONSHIPS A telephone company had an excellent and meaningful theme in their advertising. It was the phrase "Reach out and touch someone". That can be the way to start or develop a meaningful relationship. It can restore a broken relationship. It is something we all ought to do more often. In our reading today you can see how anxious Paul was to restore relationships with the Corinthian believers. Something had come between them and himself and Paul was reaching out to them again. How many were actually against Paul in the Corinthian church? We do not know, but it doesn't take many to cause disruptions in a church, does it? One or two "stirrers" will do it. Paul's constant concern was that nothing would reflect on the name of Christ, on the testimony of the church or on his own testimony. It was obvious that he wanted the love of the Corinthian Christians and the fellowship to be restored. He could say he loved them all. Verse 11 says his heart was opened wide to them. He loved his friends. He loved those who were his enemies, those who opposed him, the difficult ones. He included them all. What an example it is for us! However, love and communication must be a two-way street. Paul's problem was that they were not loving him in return (vv.12-13). Relationships and fellowship cannot be built where there is no response. Free and open communication is the mark of trust. Love communicates. What is true fellowship? It is one heart openly responding to another heart. One of the greatest needs in most churches is greater emphasis on fellowship. We must do more than just sit, sing, listen and leave. There are lonely people everywhere, including in our church congregations. Why not "reach out and touch someone today"? It could be the beginning of a meaningful and helpful relationship for you both. It could bring great blessing into your life. Why not do it today? REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE - TODAY! | 
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