009 – Almost Daily Devotional – Only If You Like Them
(Updated Show Notes - May 2025)
Episode 009 – Only If You Like Them
Originally recorded: July 17, 2006
Part of the Almost Daily Devotional series
This episode was a mirror.
One I didn’t expect to look into.
I share a clip from Donald Miller that hit me straight in the heart:
“Nobody will listen to you unless they know you like them.”
That may sound obvious. But I realized… I hadn’t been living that way.
In this devotional, I confess how for years:
- I only pursued relationships with people who validated my beliefs
- I invited people into small group not out of presence, but out of agenda
- I extended kindness as a setup—not as an offering
- I walked away from people who didn’t say “yes”
But something shifted.
And in this episode, I name that shift.
This is where I began to realize:
- Love without strings is the only real love
- People are not trophies, targets, or projects
- Invitations without expectation are sacred
- And being a friend matters more than being a spiritual persuader
✨ What I Believed Then
I believed I was loving people.
But in truth, I was often loving their potential conversion.
I didn’t pursue friendship unless I thought it might lead somewhere spiritually.
I believed my role was to be kind until they said no.
Then I moved on.
🌱 What I Believe Now
I no longer see people as opportunities.
I no longer offer kindness in hopes of spiritual return.
I no longer value people based on agreement or “progress.”
Now, I stay.
I listen.
I honor the human in front of me, regardless of how they respond.
I no longer build relationships to evangelize.
I trust that presence is the message.
🔥 Why I’m Leaving This Episode in the Feed
Because this was the day I stopped trying to fix people.
Because this is where I let go of the plan and picked up the person.
Because this is the kind of love I needed back then—and didn’t know how to give.
And now, I do.
Cliff