Relationships

Some random thoughts on relationships:

If we are smart enough to manage certain aspects of our lives, why can’t we be smart enough to manage our relationships?

You cannot enter into a relationship without influencing and being influenced.

In a relationship, you become a meaningful part of each other’s history.

Relationship realities:

• We like each other.
• I like you, but you don’t like me.
• You like me, but I don’t like you.
• I used to like you, but I don’t anymore.
• You used to like me, but you don’t anymore.
• I like you a little, but I like someone else more.
• You like me a little, but you like someone else more.
• Because I like someone else more, you don’t like that person.
• Because you like someone else more, I don’t like that person.
• I’m trying not to like you.
• You’re trying not to like me.
• I can’t get over you.
• You can’t get over me.

Relationship hazards:

• Relationships that get too close and things happen.
• Relationships that got too close and now are broken off.
• Relationship in which people hurt each other. (Friendly fire.)
• Relationships that make you change your relationships with others.
• Broken relationships are like pulling an arm off of your body. (Pain, infection, healing, intimacy, gifts, pictures, cards, letters, words, promises, secrets, adventures)
• Broken relationships still remain part of your history and your memory.
• Relationships that end and begin other relationships.
• New relationships that find out the history of old relationships.
• The “other” parties in new relationships that have to deal with feelings about the past.

 Relationship Wisdom:

• Your relationships need to be in the will of God.  (Romans 12:1-2)
• Impose strict guidelines and rules on your relationships.
• Any relationship that leads you away from God or spirituality is bad.
• Your most important relationship is with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:1-11, New International Version