Power In Relationships

Monday July 8, 2024

Whether it is a group of bullies on a school playground or an abusive partner behind closed doors, it is never right for one person to force their agenda or desires on another. Some of us who have come out of addiction have lived on the side of being domineering and demanding and of being submissive and trampled on.

We have been bullied by others and have also manipulated others to give us what we want. We have lied and hidden our true needs and desires so that things might remain peaceful in a relationship, and we have also used anger and abusive words to gain control over others to get what we wanted.

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 learn to submit to each other in love.

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 each 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 is God's heart for us in our relationships.

We need to see ourselves and others as God sees us and choose to 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 learn to be generous with others. God will show us when we should step back, or agree or disagree respectably with others, or how to value and lift up others without throwing away our own dignity.

God can teach us how to be safe, loving, and kind in the challenges of 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 and others and to practice Your principles in everything I say and do. Amen

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Power In Relationships

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