How to Have Closer Relationships
CONVERSATIONS:
Imagine that it’s your high school reunion, and you’re about to enter the party. Who are the ones you naturally veer to? Those that you shared life experiences with. Do you remember the kinds of friends you had in school?
Those of us who have gone through these school reunions know the fun and laughter that comes with stories recalling all the crazy , scary, wacky , inspiring adventures you had together. Shared Stories build shared lives.
But if all we had were old stories of long ago, that still wouldn’t be enough to build close relationships.
So who do we build with and how? Someone once said “People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.”
Tip No. 1: Share Life Experiences with your Key Relationships.
Build Relationship Bridges with the People that matter most.
Even the Bible rewards those that make an effort to connect with family: 1“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
Question: Who are my Key Relationships?
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Does the way I treat my spouse/ children/family create a Bridge between us or a Wall that separates us? What is 1 way I can be a Bridge builder this week?
Tip No.2: Choose to Build Relationships with people who bring out a better you.
What’s the point in hanging out with men who only get you into trouble? Or spending all your free time with those who aren’t your key relationships in life?
“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20
Question: Which of my relationships is doing me more harm than good? Which ones are worth spending time on?
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Tip No. 3: Shared Spiritual Values build the Closest Relationships.
Those who share deep, spiritual values build the strongest relationships. Think of a person that led you to know Jesus better.
If your life has been changed by the Lord, that is an experience you will never forget.
And when you meet fellow Christians, you will mutually be blessed by your shared life stories.
Psalm 107:2 says: Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story-- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.”
The best way to have closer relationships with people is to begin by having a close relationship with the God who made you. Then share this good news to others.
Let Him write your life stories and bring divine connections that will last a lifetime.
"Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered for ever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes." Psalm 112:6-8
In a world of disposable relationship, God hung on and kept the relationship with us.
Even today, He continues to reach out to us.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the original Bridge-Builder and relationship-keeper.
Thank You that You loved us so much, that You sent your Son, Jesus, to connect with us and build a relationship with us.
Jesus, continue to open my eyes and my heart, to who You really are in my life. I want to grow closer in my relationship with You.
Give me the ideas and wisdom to build closer relationships with the key people in my life as well. In Jesus name. Amen.
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