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Matthew 18:1-5 -- At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."

Christ then goes into 3 warnings about His children. One: "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the sea" (re. v 6-9). Don't want to be the guy who offends, got it.

Two: lost sheep. "It is not the will of your Father who in is heaven that one of these little ones should perish" (re. v. 9-14) Our attitude toward all future heirs really should be that we not only long for them to come home, but that we'll set out to find them.

Three: If you're offended, go to your brother (re. v. 15-20).

There are people who come and go in and out of my life. There is not a thing I love more than to love people, to know them and to cherish them. I've ended up hurt and disappointed quite a few times. But really remembering Christ's three points concerning His children brings it back home. No matter what, I'll try not to offend, I'll never give up hope and if I have issues, I'll take it to them first.