Are you experiencing weariness from broken relationships?
In our lifetime, we all have relationship issues at one time or another. Sometimes those rocky relationships are even with our own family members and/or with our brothers and sisters in Christ. So how do we respond if conflict arises and how do we work out all the rough spots?
Here’s an answer I found, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” Philippians 2: 5
I love how the Bible gives us wisdom in all aspects of our life. The Word of God is truly our manual for life.
Let’s break this above scripture down with points:
- Point #1 Our mindset should be the same as Jesus’.
- Point #2 Our mindset can also be our attitudes.
- Point #3 Christians are to have His attitude of self-sacrificing humility and love for others.
- Point #4 Being “as one” with Jesus encompasses a whole lot more.
If we are to have the same mindset as Jesus, what does that look like?
If we read further, it reminds us that “Jesus, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. rather, He made himself nothing by
taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2: 6
What is this saying?
Humility is a character of Jesus that we should imitate.
How does this cross over into relationships? Glad you asked.
We don’t have to constantly feel that we need to have the upper hand, so to speak.
Jesus made Himself nothing when He is everything.
If we have an intimate relationship with Jesus, He is our Lord and Savior; then the relationship we have with Him flows out into all other relationships.
Paul was teaching the Philippians this very point as he stated, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded having the same love being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2: 1-2
Did you see how many “if any” are in that one verse? I counted four! Look at all the action words, too.
If we have any sense, we will learn to promote encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion that brings joy as we are united with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and with one another. These fruits are part of the love of God within us.
Good relationships are made when we have true fellowship, and it all starts with God.
Here’s why: We “Look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2: 4
Relationships are all about give and take.
If we look to the interests of others, we hear what they are saying, even if we don’t agree. We learn to compromise and appreciate each other in special ways. We can see one’s point of view and even get introspective with ourselves.
God created relationships so we can learn from one another.
If we all agreed with each other all the time, what could we ever learn from one another?
If you are currently having relationship issues with one that has bumps and bruises, trust God to heal those hurts, and misunderstandings and give it time for things to settle. But keep in mind that:
Those who love God completely will be able to love others without selfish ambition completely.
There may come a time when we have to ask ourselves, “Do we want to be right or have a relationship?”
“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless.” Philippians 1: 9
WHAT CAN WE TAKE AWAY FROM THIS:
- The only perfect relationship we will ever have is with Jesus.
- All relationships flow from our relationship with Jesus.
Christ-like love is rooted in knowledge and understanding.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
You can find all of the Kingdom Assurance series posts by clicking the button below.
[…] Open the full article on the kingdomwinds.com site […]