FOUR KEYS TO A GREAT RELATIONSHIP
“Love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)
Looking for the perfect relationship? A trustworthy partner? A kind and generous boss? A friend who never breaks his promise or stabs you in the back? Chances are, you’ll be looking for a long time. It doesn’t matter if you met them online, at a church social, or at the local pub. The perfect relationship does not exist.
Instead of looking for the right person, why not try being the right person? Scripture gives us plenty of advice on the subject. Here are just a few pointers….
Bite your tongue. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” In other words, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.
Be golden. The Golden Rule seems so simple, and yet it can profoundly affect our relationships. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. How would you want to be treated? Do likewise (Luke 6:31).
Throw away the scoreboard. Don’t keep a record of how many times you’ve been wronged—or how many times you’ve done right and not been appreciated. If anything, try to out-love the other—but keep a humble spirit while you do it (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Lose control. Some people think they need to control the situation and the other person—or else that other person will control them! But if you’re a follower of Jesus, that’s not how it’s supposed to work. Instead, the Holy Spirit should control us. And when He does, our actions, attitudes, words, and deeds are saturated with patience, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
THINK ABOUT IT…
What does this devotional reveal to me about God?
What does this devotional reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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