‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’
Philippians 2:4 NKJV
1. When it comes to the truth, you should be unbending. But when it comes to relationships, you must learn to be flexible. If you always need to be ‘right’ and make the other person ‘wrong’, you’ll never enjoy stable, long-lasting relationships. One author writes: ‘We'll not last
2..together because we were never wrong. We will last because when we were wrong, we found the invincible will to correct the wrong & the grace to endure whatever it took to survive it together. Our families are never perfect, but that doesn’t mean we can"t find a way to make it
3...across the tumultuous seas onto the shores of love and life. Coming from backgrounds with different traditions and conflicting ideas, we bring baggage and unrealistic expectations to our relationships whether we are conscious of it or not.’ So what should you do? He continues
4...‘Create in yourself an openness to change and an understanding that much correction will be needed for what you will face together. Make this attitude your charter for how you'll operate as a couple. Always be willing to recalibrate your relationship to ensure that decisions
5..made at one stage of life now fit the growth and maturity of the present.’ Do you know what the biggest problem in our relationships is? Selfishness! We want to have things our own way. But that’s not the scriptural way. The Bible says, ‘Let each of you look out not only for..
6...his or her own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ When you live with that kind of mind-set, you’ll enjoy rich, rewarding relationships.
1. Not only must we leave room for unexpected disappointments and unknown variables in life, we must realise that inevitably we’ll be betrayed and hurt by other people. Perhaps they deceived us into believing they were trustworthy, or they began sincerely
2...and became infected with the viruses of jealousy and greed. In either case, you’ll face betrayal at some point along the way. Even the psalmist David wrote: ‘My best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me.’ And included in...
3...the list of adversities Paul suffered in his ministry, are ‘false brethren’ (2Cor 11:26). Yes, as one author writes, ‘If you live long enough, you'll discover how fickle & selfish the human heart can be.’ And it’s often the people we love most & trust implicitly who have the
As problems arise in your relationships, you’ll be forced to become a translator, negotiator, diplomat and peacekeeper. Good com skills are essential. Nothing is more frustrating than being misunderstood, misheard, ignored, or misconstrued.
2. But talking isn’t always the answer. Sometimes it empowers the problem. Our mistake is we often give too much verbiage to the issue; in other words, we talk about it when we should be quiet and focus on a solution. God has given you the gifts you need to change the situation.
3. Don’t talk about it; instead, do it! If we misuse words or talk out of hand, it can lead us away from a solution we would otherwise see. James tells us that what we say has immense power for destruction. ‘The tongue…a little member…boasteth great things. Behold, how great...
About 14yrs ago, a young lady joined my dept. I was a junior manager then. She was punctual, intelligent & just odd. She had zero social skills. Didn't talk to anyone, wouldn't greet or respond to greetings. Many didn't get along with her. With time she became the "office gossip"
One day she took her "craze" too far and was deemed insubordinate to the HOD. She was sacked and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. A few weeks later we found out from a family member that she had been suffering from clinical depression triggered by abuse. She was a sick girl.
The knowledge of her mental health changed everything. Staff all of a sudden had a different perception of her. We wanted a do over so we can show love, empathy & kindness. But it was too late. Had we known what she was going through, our attitude towards her wldve been different
‘Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisors.’
Proverbs 24:6 NIVUK
1. Solomon said, ‘Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel’ (v. 6). There are wise & experienced people around who are willing to help you, so get together with them periodically & brainstorm. Make sure everyone involved knows there are no
2.. limits, boundaries, or even budget constraints. The purpose is to get everything out on the table. You never know what your next big idea is, so don’t limit yourself to what you think is possible or affordable right now. Keep a list of the ideas you generate, and number them.
‘My conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with me.’
Romans 9:1 AMPC
1. Paul writes: ‘My conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with me.’ Note that when the Holy Spirit speaks to your conscience, two things happen. First, He illuminates your heart with the truth. Second, He prompts you about what to do.
2. Some things may be ‘right’ for others and be ‘wrong’ for you. Why? Because God has a particular plan for your life and He doesn’t want you to be negatively influenced, or even derailed. Read the following Scriptures and consider them prayerfully: ‘Therefore I always exercise..
‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.’
Psalm 30:5 NKJV
1. Pain is an inevitable part of life and growth; a beneficial part! Stop and consider some of its benefits: 1) It lets you know when there’s something wrong in your body that needs to be made right. 2) It forces you to acknowledge a condition you didn’t know about; one that cld
2...potentially claim your life. 3) It makes you rearrange your priorities and your schedule & seek help. 4) It makes you willing to submit to treatment you may not enjoy, believing that it'll make you whole. Are you getting the idea? Strange as it may seem, the more you dread &