Relationships . . . you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them. If the truth was known, we all have a love-hate relationship with our relationships (pun intended). We hate some relationships, tolerate others, and cultivate those we really value.
Our worst and best relationships all can be improved. God wants us to better all our relationships and provides the necessary tools to do so through the fruit of the Spirit.
The difficulty we have is that we think that the best way to go about this is to change the other person in the relationship. We think that if we can get them to think, speak, act, or react differently that our problem will be solved. While that is true, what we forget is that we can’t really change anyone but ourselves. We are not the masters of others destinies. The good news is that with God’s help we are the masters of our own.
So, what are the factors involved in establishing or maintaining vibrant, growing relationships in which we can live out God’s purpose for our lives?
First, we have to value every relationship which God has given us. Sure, there are some that will be more important and vital than others but every person we know is someone who God loves and values greatly.
Second, we must be willing to change. The relational dynamic is increased in its value in direct proportion to our growth. If we add value to the relationship then its overall value increases. Sometimes we can be the catalyst who takes the relationship to the next level.
Third, our efforts to bring about peace where conflict exists means that we have to take a pro-active stance and meet conflict head-on so that we can “nip it in the bud” before it escalates.
The fruit of the Spirit will bring fruitfulness to our relationships. Let’s give it a try!
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