“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
For the next few weeks I will write about relationships. The reason for this is because soon enough we will need to lend a hand to others or be on the receiving end of assistance. Now, I don’t advise staying in relationships for the sake of one. Some folks we ought not to be friends with and that may include some family members. What I am advocating is for mutually positive relationships, where encouragement, support, spiritual love, and even correction are exchanged.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset
as (Yeshua)Christ Jesus:” ~ Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
There are some people that are in our lives for a season, some lasting longer than others. I certainly believe Yahweh always makes use of our relationships. We have people in our lives that are only mentors, others that teach, and a few that have had similar experiences to walk us through the difficult times. We also have folks that are specifically in place to help rid us of the things that are of no use to us or the Kingdom…those folks that show us how to be humble or compassionate, correct and rebuke, and a particular person that is a thorn in our side; one that we have no power to remove, but causes us to see how “we” are the problem, not them.
To relate is to connect. In relationships we must be “real” with one another. There is no time for not being authentic; no hiding, no deception, no inhibition. There are periods when we have needs, and because no one really knows us, we miss out. It’s hard for a person that is able and willing to give to discern needs when they aren’t spoken. We don’t have the gift of reading minds. I’ve had friends in my past that only provided half the information when they are seeking help. How can anyone give wisdom or assistance when they don’t know the whole story? Was something being hidden on purpose to keep me from withholding something that should have been withheld? I don’t know, but what I’ve learned in those situations is not to give until I know them and the story. I no longer want to block what Yahweh is doing or enable someone. Being a friend is sometimes saying no.
There are some folks that should be in our lives, but aren’t because of conflict. Discern who they are, and deal with it. The first step is humility. We must humble ourselves, and communicate to the person a heartfelt apology and/or forgiveness. From there, if the other is willing, begin to rebuild the relationship. A few ways are to provide unconditional love, be trustworthy, and willing to work on the relationship so that it becomes healthy and mutually beneficial.
Now, if you have a friend or a few that you know will be there, through thick and thin, I called you blessed.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13 (NIV)
How will you go about building or creating valuable relationships in 2012? Have your say…