Power In Relationships
Tuesday July 9, 2019
Whether it is a group of bullies on a school playground or an abusive partner behind closed doors, it's never right for one person to push their agenda or desires on another. Some of us who have come out of addiction have lived on either side of being domineering and demanding or submissive and trampled on. We've felt bullied and we've used manipulation to try to pressure others to give us what we want. We've used anger and complaining or lied and hidden our true needs and desires, in order to keep things peaceful with someone else.
God has a better plan for us as we live in relationship with others. God invites us to let go of the fear and co-dependency behind these behaviours and live in loving submission to each other.
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Matthew 7:12, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:10 NIV)
We need to bring our hearts and actions before God every day and seek His help in determining whether we are being self-centered or forceful in our relationships. We also need to move away from the lie that we are inferior to others. Mutual respect. Mutual service. This is God's heart for us in our relationships.
We need to see ourselves and others as God sees us, recognizing that we live each day for God's agenda rather than for our own or someone else's. As we approach God and build our faith in His goodness, we will know how to be generous with others. God will show us when to step back, how to agree to disagree and do so with honour and respect, and how to value and lift up others without throwing away our dignity.
Only God can teach us how to behave well in each of our relationships.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please take the blinders off my eyes and help me see how I relate to others. Help me to honour you, others, and myself in all I do and say. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Power In Relationships
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.