When geographically distanced from hometown friends and family, our work and new community connections can feel shallow, functional at best. We don’t feel known since our personal history and maybe even our spiritual values are not part of the new relationships. The number of relationships does not satisfy our craving for deep human contact because it is intimacy we are seeking. 

In the writings of the Apostle John, he commonly uses two forms of to know in the Greek language, ginosko and oido. Whereas oido relates to knowing information, facts, the ways things are in the natural world, ginosko refers to knowing through personal experience or relationship. The difference is like this: We may know (oido) someone’s name at first introduction, but we come to know (ginosko) him over time and through continued encounters in a much deeper way. 

We start out knowing (oido) about God and His Son Jesus through stories, information, historical accounts in the Bible and other books. But the knowing (ginosko) that we gain walking through life with God is what brings the trust and faith responses we need to survive the troubles of this world. Our relationship grows and gives us confidence in the scary times that God is still with us, caring and providing what we need. Amazing. Powerful.

I lived overseas in Kabul, Afghanistan for seven years, returning home in 2012 after a difficult departure from a difficult place. I entered willingly into counseling therapy and debriefing retreats for overseas workers. For several weeks I followed up these efforts meeting with long-time friends and spiritual mentors who knew me (ginosko), reflecting, talking, and praying through my experiences. These exercises helped me assimilate the pain and growth of the Kabul years and recall what I knew (ginosko) about Jesus’ love for me. 

One glorious future day, all efforts to know this earthly life will be done and our eternal future will come. Our souls will have no more questions; the mysteries will be solved. We will know and be known completely and enjoy everlasting peace in His presence. Hallelujah!