“Accept one another . . just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7 NIV
“We are individuals, but created in God’s image for community.”
My thoughts today are about “relationships that succeed.”
Relationships are a vital, healthy part of life. We are individuals, but created in God’s image for community; therefore it is important to build edifying relationships with others. The best and most satisfying always contribute to the mutual benefit of those involved. Begin with a quality of friendships that have the potential to mutually enhance one another’s lives. Beware of any relationship that is primarily of self-interest and benefit. They won’t work out.
Unrighteous relationships – friendships where God is not invited and comfortable to be – can never be what they need to be. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers . . what fellowship can light have with darkness? (they are mutually exclusive) . . what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?” Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 NIV. Notice the qualifying words “yoked together,” which clearly describe something more than casual acquaintances and friendships; rather the Bible cautions about alliances that bind people together, connecting their common fortune – such as dating, marriage, or binding, business partnerships.
Every relationship involves some distinctions and inequalities, most of which can certainly be made to serve the partnership with a little extra willingness and effort. The very differences that attract you to others and provide a beneficial complement to who you are require the essential quality of acceptance.
Here are some practical suggestions for righteous relationships that succeed. The gift of acceptance is among the most powerful agents of transformation. Acceptance is not approval of what should be changed; rather, it is an act of relinquishment, moving out of God’s way to release another to be changed when and as God wills.
Accept others without conditions. People will not be exactly as you wish them to be; they will, however, be what they are more likely to be. Get over it; you are not exactly what someone wishes you were either. Everybody wants and needs acceptance. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 NIV.
Accept others without criticism. Criticism is a not so effective method of encouraging change. Criticism creates distance, not closeness. Criticism hurts, rather than heals. “Don’t criticize and you won’t be criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them.” Read Matthew 7:1-5 TLB.
Accept others without comparisons. Each person is a unique individual , with some similarities but with distinctive differences. Comparisons rarely result in good, whether comparing yourself or others. “They, comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is: develop relationships that make you and others better.