Keeping good relationships—both in families and in life in general—is not easy. To see how difficult good relationships are simply look at the Scripture.
Adam and Eve rebelled against God and sin entered the world. Immediately, we see problems with relationships. Cain killed his brother Abel. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. The disciples argued over who was greatest in the Kingdom of God and even Paul and Barnabas had relationship issues. Relationships are difficult.
What can we do to help make our relationships better? Here are some guidelines for better relationships.
First, submit everything in life to God. Don’t hold anything back from God, but in everything let God guide you through life. Simply applying the Word of God makes a huge difference in relationships. After all, Jesus told us to do unto others as we would want others to do to us. He challenged us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Simply obeying these commands helps immensely with relationships.
Second, be quick to hear and slow to speak. James added that we should be slow to become angry (James 1:19). Impatient outbursts create huge relationship problems. Listening to others and understanding the situation will help you be more patient. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Remember that a “hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18).
Third, do what you do for God. For example, forgive because God tells you to. Do this for God. By obeying God, we remove the issues such as whether or not someone deserves forgiveness or “gets what’s coming to them.” When we obey God and do what He says, we remove selfishness. Obeying God helps keep us from becoming judgmental.
Fourth, be quick to say “I’m sorry.” If you’re wrong, it really helps to admit it. Admitting wrong quickly takes our pride out of the situation.
Finally, be slow to take offense. Not everything that hurts you is deliberate. When you are hurt, don’t linger over it. The more you replay some hurt that you have experienced, the worse it becomes.
God’s Word helps us to have good relationships. As we obey God, we experience the kind of life that God intends for His children.
If you would like to receive all of my posts, please subscribe below. You will receive an email notification for each post. It’s free and easy. Simply leave your email address and click on subscribe. You will receive a confirmation email to which you must reply. When you have replied, you’re done and ready to receive the next post. I look forward to sending you all of the things that I share at waylonbailey.com.