Relationships are designed by God for His people. But just because they are created by God does not mean that they are straightforward and easy all the time. They are a continual learning experience that we must cherish and value!
Being from a large family, I have the joy of interacting with many people in a day. All these interactions have the potential to bring joy or weigh on you a bit, depending on who is going through what. But no matter what, you can always learn from the relationships God puts in your life! When you consider others’ perspectives and approaches, you are sure to learn new ideas and solutions to ordeals!
Let’s look at the different facets of relationships and learn how to bloom in them more effectively. I don’t know about you, but none of my relationships are perfect and could all use some work!
God
By far, the most important relationship we will ever have is our relationship with God! And do you want to know something exciting – we will never completely get to know Him! He has such depth, such love, such plans – He has forever planned out! It truly is incredible to try to get a hint of a glimpse of all that He is to us! What a joy and comfort to know that we can spend our entire life getting to know Him better and better!
God wants everything in life to draw us back to Him. Every gift, every struggle, every blessing, every problem. Everything. Our relationship with Him is of vital importance! He is our all in all! No matter what happens in life He is our one constant.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” – Romans 8:38
Family
Isn’t God so kind to bless is with family? True, some of us may not know our birth parents or natural siblings, but God always puts someone in our life to be family to us.
Interestingly, family relationships have the same ups and downs as other relationships. Perhaps the potential for even more. I believe this is because families see and know each others strengths and weaknesses. It is so important to keep the value of family relationships in mind as you go about your day. Instead of being annoyed with a sibling or parent, one should be praying how to restore and improve those relationships.
An important dynamic in a family relationship is honoring one’s parents. Honor means to show a high respect for and it is so important to God that it is one of the ten commandments!
Truth be told, no family is perfect, but we are the perfect fit for each other! God Himself chose each of us for the other! Let us rejoice in our strengths and look to God for help in our weaknesses.
Husband
Whether you are married or not, your relationship with your husband is precious and of the utmost importance! Proverbs 31:12 talks about how the virtuous woman does her husband good and not evil all the days of her life. All the days. Notice how that isn’t just once she has agreed to married him, or even once she has decided she’s met “the one”. We must keep this in mind and be careful and thoughtful in all our relationships.
Now I am not saying that a woman can never look at or talk to a man unless she plans on marrying him. (How awkward would that be?!) Rather, we must keep our relationships in check. There are certain topics that are not appropriate to discuss outside of close relationships. Propriety is also important along with avoiding inappropriate situations.
“The girl next door” – I’ve always liked the mental picture that phrase presented. I always picture a friendly, cheery, enthusiastic, out-going girl. She helps others, works hard, and is a pleasure to be around. That’s who I want to be!
Friends
“A friend sticks closer than a brother” – I’ve had a friend or two like that. But friendships have seasons and some last longer than others. But be assured, no matter what season you are in, God sends the right people at the right time. Don’t overlook your sibling or your parent as the friend that you might want. My mother is one of my best friends! And my siblings are too! This doesn’t mean that I don’t have other friends, just that it is so important to value what you have, rather than always looking for more.
Relationships with friends can be difficult – you might have to take an important stand and your friend might not take that stand with you. Just remember that whatever you might give up for the sake of doing right, God will bless you for it!
God is so remarkable in His creation and I’m so grateful for the relationships that He brings into my life!
What are your thoughts on relationships? Aren’t they incredible?! What value do you see in them? I’d love it if you would share!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Speaking of relationships, you might enjoy this Love Story: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2017/09/06/a-love-story/