STRENGTH FOR GREAT RELATIONSHIPS

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)

It’s human nature to stress out and try to fix things all on our own strength. To create great relationships, I’m not saying that we don’t have to put some effort in—or even a lot of effort. But while we’re working at it, we need to realize that we’re strong in God’s grace. It’s His presence within us that gives us the power to build the best relationships.

How do you know when you’re walking in His grace? When you’re relying on God’s grace, you may be learning, growing and working hard, but you’re not frantic, fearful or anxious. You have a deep sense of peace through it all. You might be working through disagreements, but you stop fighting about things that don’t matter.

You see, many times people fight not because the subject really matters but because they need to be right. If you’re not establishing the fact that you are loved, accepted and right with God, you’re looking for that significance elsewhere. Being right makes you feel superior to others, which helps you to feel good about yourself temporarily. The trouble is that you’re damaging your relationships in the process.  

If you can’t find peace in a relationship and you seem to be constantly fighting, ask yourself: Do I always have to be right?

Get into God’s Word to get convinced that God’s peace, joy and ability are yours in Christ. Believe that you are special, loved and that you are right with God, just as you are. Stop making everyone’s outward behaviour the main focus and start getting your heart beliefs right when it comes to your identity in Christ, and just watch how your relationships change.