Better Relationships
Better Relationships
In Sunday’s message, we focused on a key aspect of living better in the new year: better relationships. Relationships are not just part of life; they are essential for our spiritual growth. God designed us for community, and our deepest spiritual growth often happens in relationship with others. Here’s what we learned:
1. Relationships Are Vital to Spiritual Growth
We were created for community, not isolation. Proverbs 12:26 teaches that the righteous should choose their friends carefully, understanding that relationships can either lead us closer to God or pull us away from Him. Great relationships don’t happen by accident. To grow spiritually, we need to surround ourselves with people who encourage and challenge us. Just like an art gallery, relationships require intentionality and purpose.
Example: Peter, a man who was drifting in his faith due to the wrong friendships, experienced a shift when he started hanging out with Chris, a passionate believer. His relationship with Chris helped him grow spiritually, showing the power of choosing the right people.
2. Look for Godly Attributes in Others
When choosing relationships, look for qualities that reflect Christ. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and enduring. These are the kinds of qualities to look for in friendships. True love is not just a feeling but an action that supports, encourages, and helps us grow.
Example: Jackie Robinson, facing adversity in his baseball career, found strength in his teammate Pee Wee Reese, who stood by him when the crowd jeered. That act of loyalty and support showed love in action.
3. Be the Kind of Friend You Want to Have
It’s not just about finding good friends but also becoming one. Romans 12:10 calls us to love one another with sacrificial love, treating others with honor and respect. To build better relationships, we must reflect on our own actions: Are we trustworthy, kind, and forgiving? Are we putting others’ needs before our own?
Example: A humorous piece of advice in Daily Walk from 1993 humorously outlines how to be miserable: focus solely on yourself. The opposite approach—focusing on others and being a friend who reflects Christ—is the key to building lasting, meaningful relationships.
Conclusion:
Jesus is our ultimate example of relationship-building. Through His life and love, He showed us how to love others well. As we enter this new year, let’s commit to surrounding ourselves with people who encourage our growth in Christ and reflect godly qualities. Most importantly, let’s become the kind of friend we want to have. Better relationships are not only about who we surround ourselves with but also about how we reflect Christ in those relationships.
Let’s take time this year to evaluate our relationships and invest in the ones that will help us grow closer to Jesus and lead others toward Him.