Co-Operation

It's challenging to live in agreement with people who have ideas and ways of doing things that are different from our way.  For healthy relationships to be formed we need to develop the character quality of co-operation.

Live in harmony with each other.  Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.  And don’t think you know it all! 

Romans 12:15

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 

Ephesians 4:3

When we co-operate, we work together towards a common goal.  It doesn't mean we all do or say the same thing.  We each have our distinctive personality and role to play but we take time to listen to one another, to support each other, and together find a way to make things better for everyone concerned. 

Co-operation requires that we learn from others by sometimes letting go of our usual way of thinking and behaving and try something new.  At times it will be important for us to quit hiding in silence and ask a valid question or voice our opinion about a matter in a way that brings some fresh insight. 

Developing a habit of co-operatively dealing with others will require us to grow and get past easily hurt feelings and approval seeking.  It may also require laying down a bullying attitude or offensive words. 

Loving God, While it’s not easy to find our place and be ourselves with others, we know from Your Word that the benefits of peaceful co-operation with others is an effective and fulfilling way of life.  Help us to overcome the short term challenges in order to experience the longer term benefits that result for finding co-operative ways of living and working with others. 

Forgive us for the many ways we have been hard to get along with, voicing our own opinion and desiring that our will get done.  We ask Your Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all our interactions and relationships today.  Amen

As we learn new ways of interacting with others, God will strengthen and encourage us and bring us to that place of peace which surpasses all understanding.  Let’s do that today, shall we?