BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

 

 

¹ Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. ⁴ Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight…⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers ⁸ Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:1-4 & 7-8)

 

Five characteristics of healthy relationships

 

1.     Harmony - A combination of parts into a pleasing or orderly whole

2.     Sympathy  - Feelings for others

3.     Love  - A deep and tender feeling of affection for or attachment or devotion to a person or persons  

4.     Compassion - Understanding the suffering of others and doing something about it

5.     Humility - Having or showing a consciousness of one's defects or shortcomings; not proud or boastful

 

Three KEYS to building healthy relationships

 

⁹Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. ¹¹He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. ¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:9-12).

 

Key #1 -- Speak only good of others

 

¹Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ²to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men (Titus 3:1-2).

 

¹⁷David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, ¹⁸and ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):

¹⁹"Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! ²⁰"Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. ²³"Saul and Jonathan-- in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. ²⁴"O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. ²⁵"How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. ²⁶I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. ²⁷"How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war have perished" (2 Samuel 1:17-20, 23-27)!

 

Key 2: Turn from evil and do good

 

²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

 

¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

 

Some things God considers good

 

1.     Living in unity (Psalms 133:1-3).

2.     Standing up for justice and mercy (Proverbs 24:23-25).

3.     Sharing with others in need (Hebrews 13:15-16, James 2:14-17).

 

Key #3 -- Seek peace and pursue it

 

¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

 

¹⁹Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

 

¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

 

 

Pastor Earl

 

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