These are my top 10 tips on building healthy relationships:
1) Treat each other how you want to be treated. You all know the Golden Rule. The world would be a much nicer place if we all actually followed this. “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31 ESV).
2) Be second. Face it… we live in a very “me-centered” culture. Put the needs of others before your own personal wants. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV).
3) Strive for perfection, but don’t expect it. We make way too many high expectations that can’t be attained. Don’t get me wrong… we have to give God our BEST, but don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Believe me, you will make mistakes. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Philippians 3:12-15 ESV).
4) Learn to love the unlovable. It’s very easy to love someone who is likeable or popular, but how much harder is it to love someone when they don’t deserve it? God sent his only Son to die in my place when I least deserved it. The least I can do is love the unlovely. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV).
5) Hang in there… even when it’s tough. No relationship is perfect. You don’t hang around for the sunshine and leave the moment it rains. Stop waiting for the storms to pass and learn to dance in the rain. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV).
6) Learn to forgive. Don’t let bitterness and brokenness go unresolved. If there’s a problem, fix it. Talk it through, but speak with love. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV).
7) Be honest with each other. Honesty is the best policy! Don’t base your relationship on lies and half-truths. Make sure you can trust each other. “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” (Proverbs 28:18 ESV).
8) Be an encourager. Encouragement is so much important than we often realize. Even a simple compliment or a kind word can mean the world to someone. Your words will either build someone up or tear someone down. Choose your words to inspire. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10 ESV).
9) Take time to laugh. Enjoy this wonderful world that God created. Laughter is medicine for the soul! Don’t rush through life so quickly that you forget to enjoy the little things. Sometimes, the little things are what you treasure the most. “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” (Psalm 126:2 ESV).
10) Know that the best relationships are Christ-centered. Always put God first and keep Him at the center. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV).
1) Treat each other how you want to be treated. You all know the Golden Rule. The world would be a much nicer place if we all actually followed this. “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31 ESV).
2) Be second. Face it… we live in a very “me-centered” culture. Put the needs of others before your own personal wants. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV).
3) Strive for perfection, but don’t expect it. We make way too many high expectations that can’t be attained. Don’t get me wrong… we have to give God our BEST, but don’t beat yourself up when you fall short. Believe me, you will make mistakes. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Philippians 3:12-15 ESV).
4) Learn to love the unlovable. It’s very easy to love someone who is likeable or popular, but how much harder is it to love someone when they don’t deserve it? God sent his only Son to die in my place when I least deserved it. The least I can do is love the unlovely. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV).
5) Hang in there… even when it’s tough. No relationship is perfect. You don’t hang around for the sunshine and leave the moment it rains. Stop waiting for the storms to pass and learn to dance in the rain. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV).
6) Learn to forgive. Don’t let bitterness and brokenness go unresolved. If there’s a problem, fix it. Talk it through, but speak with love. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV).
7) Be honest with each other. Honesty is the best policy! Don’t base your relationship on lies and half-truths. Make sure you can trust each other. “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” (Proverbs 28:18 ESV).
8) Be an encourager. Encouragement is so much important than we often realize. Even a simple compliment or a kind word can mean the world to someone. Your words will either build someone up or tear someone down. Choose your words to inspire. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10 ESV).
9) Take time to laugh. Enjoy this wonderful world that God created. Laughter is medicine for the soul! Don’t rush through life so quickly that you forget to enjoy the little things. Sometimes, the little things are what you treasure the most. “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” (Psalm 126:2 ESV).
10) Know that the best relationships are Christ-centered. Always put God first and keep Him at the center. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV).