Each time I read the 6 Biblical Lessons on Relationships by Bishop T.D. Jakes I have a new takeaway that I know will help strengthen my relationships. Not only have I noticed the benefits of these principles for relationships, but some of these principles even offer self-improvement. To begin effective use of these principles in relationships it seems necessary to start with a self-evaluation. It is not possible to have a healthy relationship with anyone if you don't first have a healthy relationship with God and yourself. Today the two lessons are "It takes Courage to Really Love Someone" and "Healthy Compromise in Relationships".
Courage to Really Love Someone
Bishop stated in the article that "deciding to love gets harder as you get older". I had never thought about that before, but now that I'm getting older it does make sense. Generally, the older you are the more you've experienced (good and bad) within relationships which causes some people to guard their hearts a little bit more. Courage is a characteristic that is most prevalent in those who have strong relationships across the board (with God, friends, and family). It takes courage to allow yourself to love and be loved knowing that there is a possiblity of being hurt, it takes courage to be a follower of Christ in a world that largely goes against His ideals, most of all it takes courage to boldy be who you are inspite of who others think you should be. Love FEARLESSLY!
Healthy Compromise in Relationships
This statement was right on time for me! As I stated yesterday, no two people will always agree. A cruical aspect of healthy relationships is healthy compromise...creating win-win situations. Compromising is a self-less act where you step outside of yourself to see things from the view of the other party. LISTEN and keep an open mind so that no one walks away wiht a loss. This is sometimes the most difficult thing for people to do because they have not yet mastered the first 3 principles noted in the article. Once you have overcome initial differences, obtained emotional and spiritual freedom, and gotten the courage to love you'll be able to easily listen, understand, and compromise.
Strong Relationships in the Making
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