I have been spending a lot of time thinking about relationships lately; the importance of them, and who/what make up a relationship. I look at society, and we have become “independent” beings in a lot of ways. I hear people say “I don’t need anyone,” “All I need is God” or “I can do this by myself.” The reality of the matter is we all need someone at sometime, and we should very well be looking for the healthy relationships and not foster the unhealthy.
Of course, God is and should be your center, but we are flesh placed here on earth with many people. I highly doubt that God would have us here with each other if he didn’t intend for us to use each other in positive ways. In fact there are many scriptures that emphasize the idea of togetherness: “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when God’s people live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1), “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT), and my favorite “Encourage one another daily ... so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13, NIV).
On, the same token while it is important to have relationships it is important for them to be healthy. The relationships you have will produce fruit, but the kind of fruit that is being produced is the key! You have to have respect, honesty, trust commitment, giving, and taking in the relationship. For example: If I tell you my issue (I trust you with my stuff) I expect you to respect me enough to keep it between us. I expect you to be honest enough to tell me if I am causing the issue. I expect you to be committed enough to pray and hang in there with me. I expect you to give encouragement as well as take encouragement. You see how the process went down? One thing that burns me is when people say “Oh, I am going have them to pray for me, just pray you don’t need to know what’s going on.” Look, I don’t know about you, but when I say go to God for me…I want you to be specific! I don’t want any misunderstanding. Now, I’m not saying tell the world your issues. I’m saying it is important to be able to tell someone your issues and know they will be there for you. If you have someone you are calling your best friend, but you can’t tell them your issues…. relationship check, please! If you have a mate that you can’t go to and expect for he/she to lead you to prayer and stand by you… relationship check!
My point is this, it is important to have healthy relationships that are producing good things for both parties. If you are in relationship with people or even things (another topic) that are not getting you anywhere, but are simply pulling you to a stand still in life it is time to do a relationship check. See if God is at the center of that relationship. See if its time for it to go or just in need of getting back on the right path. We were not meant to be in isolation, but to be out loving each other in harmony!
Always praying for you,
TAP
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