Are Your Relationships at the Brink?[/caption]Many relationships are in trouble for many reasons.
The only person you have the authority or ability to change is yourself. So I want to direct attention to your relationships from your perspective. Maybe you will see yourself in this methaphorical mirror.
First Corinthians Chapter 13
If you are religious, this passage, called the Love Chapter, has great meaning to you. If you’re not religious, you can’t ignore some of the truths herein. They just make sense, especially when applied to relationships. For simplicity, lets assume that you love the ones with whom you share relationships and we’ll use the word ‘Love’ throughout.
Verse 4 – Love is patient
Are you patient in your relationships or do you expect everyone to move at the speed you dictate.
Verse 4 – Love is kind
A relationship cannot thrive if you are not kind in word, deed, and attitude. If you’re unkind, don’t expect people to respond positively to you.
Verse 4 – Love is not jealous
Trust is basic to a relationship. If you are jealous, then you’re not trusting your partner as you should.
Verse 4 – Love is not boastful
It is hard for people to enjoy a relationship with you if you constantly boast of your attributes or possessions or anything else.
Verse 4 – Love is not proud
If your vanity (pride) overshadows everyone else, don’t expect a warm, loving response from them.
Verse 5 – Love is not rude
We often joke or tease in an unseemly way. It’s rude, but we try to laugh it off. Sometimes we’re patently rude. It’s hard to be in a relationship with a rude person. Even rudeness to a third party makes everyone uncomfortable, except maybe you.
Verse 5 – Love does not demand its own way
Relationships and selfishness do not coexist. This may also include giving your loved one the space they need.
Verse 5 – Love is not irritable
Don’t expect to be a good relationship if you’re crabby and mean-spirited.
Verse 5 – Love does not keep a record of being wronged
No one wants to be around you if you keep reminding them how they wronged you. I bet you know people who remember wrongs for years – are you guilty? Practice a little forgiveness.
Verse 6 – Love does not rejoice about injustice
When you enjoy or even gossip about the pain of others, it makes everyone uncomfortable.
Verse 6 – Love rejoices in the truth
Don't let lying or deceit be part of your relationship. The truth, given lovingly, will ultimately strengthen the relationship. NOTE: See my comment on verse 1 below before you rush out with the truth. Don't use the truth as a club.
Verse 7 - Love never gives up
Stand by your friends through thick and thin, good and bad. Don’t give up on them.
Verse 7 – Love never loses faith
Believe that the best will come to the relationship even in hard times.
Verse 7 – Love is hopeful
Expect the most positive outcome for your friends, even at times when they may be acting wrongly toward you.
Verse 7 – Love never gives up
Always be there for your relationships. Even in estrangement, keep up your end of the relationship, whatever the circumstances.
A comment on Verse 1
Someone very wise said, "Being right is not always being loving." Sometimes your friends need a kind ear to listen to them instead of criticism or unsolicited advice or even the truth. You risk becoming like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal if you don’t take time to listen.
Negative thoughts
Notice how you react to my challenges here. Apply the challenges to your most important relationship. If you find your thoughts leading you in another direction – justifying yourself or denying relevance – then you may be causing the stress in your relationships.
You can bring that negative thinking into submission. I know – I’ve done it.
God bless,
www.findingpersonalpeace.com
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