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