Healthy Relationships

Chuckle - Child's prayer: "Dear God, if Cain and Abel had their own rooms, maybe they wouldn't kill each other. It works with me and my brother." Larry

Quote: “Self-respect and a clear conscience are powerful components of integrity and are the basis for enriching your relationships with others.” --Denis Waitley

BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . . ." (Matthew 7:12 NIV). "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10 NIV).

Healthy relationships are essential for a happy and fulfilled life. However, many have accumulated their wealth by walking over and mistreating family, friends, and employees; and then, in old age, they come to realize they are devoid of priceless and meaningful relationships. Without the stimulation of healthy relationships, we can easily become lonely, bitter and angry. God intends for us to first have a joyful love relationship with Him and then with others. He knows warm and rewarding relationships are vital to our joy, peace, and contentment. So He gave us this principle to use in everyday life.

It sounds so simple and is often called "The Golden Rule," but it's not a rule at all, but a principle, or truth, to be lived out. It's something you weave into the very fabric of your life. It has been memorized by many, but lived out by few. Today, let God's Spirit shake us awake and make us live out this truth. I believe this “golden" principle summarizes all the Bible has to say on the subject of interpersonal relationships.

If we were committed to this principle, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it would revolutionize our circle of relationships. If 50 of your neighbors would do this, it would change your community. If all of us did, it would change our whole county -- a powerful reality – an undeniable truth. This principle requires each of us to take the initiative in relationship building and not wait to see how others treat us. God wants it to become a part of our regenerated nature and an action rather than a reaction. John Maxwell said this, "Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place." Jesus practiced this principle - everyone he met was a VIP. He treated them as special no matter their status in life. He cared about them and wants us to do likewise.

Do you treat your spouse, children, and other family members the way you want them to treat you? Do you show them they are important by the way you relate to them? Many of us even treat casual acquaintances better than our own family members. This is a Christian crime.

What about our enemies? The Golden Rule principle is to be applied to everyone, not just a select few. But, you say, "They didn't treat me that way?" That's the point of this verse - believers are to be different. This principle says we treat others the way we want to be treated, not the way they treat us. When our treatment of others is consistent with the Golden Rule principle, precious and lasting relationships and friendships will result.

Love, Jerry & Dotse