You can’t deepen any relationship without a few key ingredients:
1. Spending time together.
Whether a few minutes or several hours, we get to know someone over time. Say no to this required element, say no to deepening.
2. Walking through the ups & downs together.
It is very true that we can truly observe another’s quality when they are under duress. Either their inner diamond will begin to shine, or they fall apart under the pressure.
3. Listening to one another.
Hearing what someone says both verbally & physically, and doesn’t say, gives you insight to who they are. Being listened to develops trust, which in turn leads to more depths of sharing.
4. Knowing when to forgive.
Everyone out there will upset you somehow, whether a real slight or offense, or a believed one. Forgiving them as soon as something pops us is a key ingredient to a good relationship.
5. Love them.
The final necessity to a great relationship is love.
Loving the other person for who they are, helping them develop into who they can become, and being there for them in the storms and heart breaks along the way.
These five ingredients are necessities to a successful relationship.
And the best example we have- that of God.
He started walking with us in the Garden, before we turned away.
He always wants to spend time with us.
He is with us through thick & thin.
He hears all, knows all we are experiencing, feeling, regretting, hoping for. He asks us to tell it all to Him because He loves to hear from us in conversation.
He knows when to forgive, and can help us do so when we need to. After all, He has forgiven us all through Jesus.
What love. A love that knew we couldn’t come to Him with all the weight of burdens, sin and hurts we were carrying, so He died in our place to show us how to truly live.
Jesus demonstrated man could walk with God, and change the world as a result.
If you want to deepen in your relationships, spend time walking with the One who designed you, and knows you best. He can guide you in any relationship, helping you to listen, love, forgive each step of the way. He is worth our trust, which you will learn as you get to know Him better along the journey.
When we are near the ones we love, our hearts are full.
When we are near the One who loves us, we know:
We matter.
We belong.
We are loved.
We are enjoyed.
We are never alone.
Take a walk with Him today.
(Jesus Calling, by Sarah Evans)
KARLA LEES 