Relationships - Not just romance.

       As soon as we mention the word: relationships, everyone's thoughts automatically lead to wife/husband, girlfriend/boyfriend, but those aren't the only relationships God has given us to nurture. Close friends, distant friends, siblings, other family members, coworkers, classmates, parents are just a few on the list of important relationships we have a responsibility to take care of. A flower cannot grow, but instead withers when it isn't properly taken care of. It needs sunlight, moisture, the right soil, etc. The same goes for relationships; your effort into making it work is just as important as the next person's. The biggest lesson to learn in dealing with relationships is to LOVE. No, saying "I love you" occasionally and buying a few gifts here and there does not justify truly loving a person. The gospel tells us that Jesus loved us SO much, SO deeply that He sacrificed His own life for us!! *Mind blowing* Would you be willing to do the same for some of your relationships? Probably not. That's why we are not Jesus. All we can do is put in the most effort to emulate His love for us to others by serving them, being there for them when needed the most, supporting them and pushing them into a positive direction and most importantly leading by example. Sometimes it will require great sacrifice but just keep in mind that they will never amount to the greatest sacrifice of all time that was made for YOU. Do you find yourself growing in some of the relationships you are in or are they only setbacks to your purpose in life? That's not where it ends either though. Are you doing your part in the particular relationships as well?
        The topic of relationships is so broad that it is impossible to cover every single situation and question in a given amount of time. During our last two meetings, we were able to ask specific, anonymous questions that were read out loud and discussed by the group. There isn't ever a definite correct answer to every situation, but getting other's point of view will help put things in perspective more. This does not mean ask everyone you know but find someone you can truly trust to confide in and that is knowledgeable enough to speak life into you about the situation. No one can ever be an expert in relationships but we all can learn how to handle them better. These are a few principles however that can apply to a majority of relationships and if that still doesn't help, the best resource on Earth (the Bible) has the exact answers you need. As you value your relationships here on Earth, so you should hold with more regard the most important relationship of all - one with God. God is .. your father, your friend, your counselor, your comforter, your adviser and SO MUCH MORE. Treat Him like that! Talk to Him frequently, seek His counsel, make Him a priority, rely on Him, keep it real with Him. None of these other relationships will work if you don't develop and nurture one with Him first. It's never too late to start.

*Just a few basic principles discussed in the meeting ....

1. LOVE, LOVE AND LOVE UNTIL YOU CAN'T ANYMORE.

Show compassion, be supportive and encouraging, make sacrifices. 

2. Be humble. 

You're not always going to be wrong, but be humble enough to find a solution no matter the circumstance.

3. Establish and be familiar with your boundaries and theirs as well.

4. Practice clear communication. 

Don't leave room for misunderstanding to grow into something else. Be open and honest!!

5. Set a foundation.

Establish a purpose for the relationship and work towards it.

6. Nourish, Nourish, Nourish.

Check on each other, confide in each other, advise each other. Tell each other the complete truth at all times. Trust and be trustworthy. Put in as much effort as you would expect someone else to..and then some!

Reference Verses/Passages: 

All relationships : 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 15:22, 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Matthew 5:38-42, Hebrews 10:24

Relationships with parents: Ephesians 6:1-3, Deuteronomy 5:16

Relationships with friends: Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 18:24