Rules For Relationships

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31 (KJV)

I just wanted to take the time today to provide a few simple tips for creating and sustaining healthy relationships. We cannot control how others will act, but we can control our own actions. This alone can go a long way towards establishing relationships that will be beneficial and stand the test of time.

• Love forever.

• Forgive often.

• Pray continually.

• Listen more than you talk.

• Give more than you take.

• Put others first.

• Live the golden rule (see scripture above).

• Go slow; don’t rush.

• Speak words that build up and not tear down.

• Speak the truth- in love.

• Give it all you’ve got.

• Know one another’s weaknesses and strengths, but don’t exploit them.

• Be real, and don’t play games.

• Be open and honest.

• Be friendly.

• Don’t gossip, slander, or backbite.

• Know the boundaries (how far you can take push certain things with someone).

• Talk things out- don’t run out.

• Keep Christ at the center.

• Keep things on a spiritual basis; not a fleshly, carnal basis.

• Honor God with the relationship.

• Honor and respect one another.

• Be open to rebuke, correction, then reconciliation.

• Give things time.

• Build the relationship on God’s Word.

• Know when to hold on, and know when to let go.

• Understand levels of relationships. Not everyone is supposed to be your best friend.

• Worship together.

• Do all things for God’s glory in the name of the Lord.

These are just a few “rules” for relationships that came to my mind. I encourage you to meditate on them and focus your attention on any that you need to work on. Make your own list and add other tips that the Lord has shown you. Relationships take work in order to make them work. If we commit to putting the effort into them, relationships can be a blessing to everyone involved and can glorify God at the same time.