Practical Relationship Skills

We looked at some verses from Ephesians yesterday and I thought it would be wise to not miss the practical steps they lay out for us  in building a healthy foundation for solid relationships. 

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.  Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 

Philippians 2:1-4

Looking at a website earlier I found this helpful list of some practical things we can do as well. 

·     Be attentive to what your partner is saying.

·     Show concern and compassion for one another.

·     Remember times that make you both laugh.

·     De-escalate conflict.

·     Don't bring up issues from the past.

·     Have a basic level of trust.

·     Be accountable for your actions and don't blame one another.

·     Turn your negative energy into something loving.

·     Spend time together.

Loving God, Those are good practical tips but the bottom line is that to maintain or rebuild a healthy relationship we need Your help.  Care and kindness , healing, patience, wisdom, and forgiveness all come from You. 

Help us to let go of unrealistic expectations we put on others.  You are the one who meets our deepest needs. 

Please give us understanding to know what kind of relationship we’re meant to have with others. 

When things do break down, as they will in every relationship from time to time, help us to deal with what's going on, forgive one another, and make a fresh start at doing things well.  Help us to love one another as You love us. 

Although we love these famous words to be lived out by others as they relate to us, we pray that we will find the strength, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to live them out with everyone we meet – particularly those for whom we closely relate.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Well, lots of things to consider in how we are acting and holding attitudes towards others.  Let’s do our best to do our part to build loving relationships today.