Relationships
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
The Word of God is all about relationships, our relationship to God, to our family, to our Christian brothers and sisters, and to everyone. How can we minister to people if we don’t show a meaningful caring relationship? From the Word, we can clearly see that Jesus had a loving, compassionate and caring heart. He healed people, made sure they were fed, ate with them, and spoke the truth in love to them. The Spirit changes us to have the same heart as Jesus.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:8) An attitude of peace is advantageous because if we are argumentative or critical we normally excite an emotional response, virtually destroying the possibility of a meaningful relationship. A Christian always seeks to show a caring heart that attempts to diffuse situations and use Godly wisdom.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10) How can we have meaningful relationships if we don’t show respect to others? Christians look at people through the eyes and heart of God, knowing God loves that person and wants us to reflect his love.
A very important principle in establishing meaningful relationships is to respect the law of liberty. When we tell or demand something of a person we are taking away their liberty, or freedom. Dr. Timothy Gordon in his book, Could It Be This Simple – A Biblical Model For Healing the Mind, states: “When someone violates the law of liberty: it always destroys love and invites rebellion.” It’s always better to be gentle and wise with our words, letting the Word of God guide the person to make wise choices.
How can we have an attitude of seeking peace, showing respect, and using gentle wise words? We have to be humble which means we are secure in Christ. God defines who we are, and the world cannot take our identity away from us. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) If we seek our identity from the world we will spend our lives trying to maintain it because Satan will attempt to destroy our self-worth. But when our identity is in Christ our self-worth is high because it comes from the Lord, making us secure and humble.
Today, walk securely, knowing who you are in Christ. Seek to show patience, respect, and Godly wisdom to everyone, with a caring heart. The more we work to have better relationships, the more God opens our caring hearts and fills them with his love. His love is not only reflected to others, his love fills us with faith and overcomes fear from Satan. Today live life to the full by relating to people just like Jesus.
Prayer: Lord thank you for guiding me in the Spirit, and today guide me in all my relationships to reflect Jesus. Help me to always be aware of the identity you have given me, and to remain humble and secure. In Jesus name, Amen