Relationships
It seems to me like the greatest wall in relationships is misunderstandings. Often, people think they know the motive for a person’s words or actions (or lack of them) when the real motive was something entirely different. I’ve been trying to figure out why that is. Why do people always believe the worst? What about preferring others above ourselves or love believing the best? I believe it’s because we’re a self-centered society. If we’re unhappy or hurting, it’s got to be someone’s fault … but it’s not mine!
In close relationships, there has to be giving and taking. If one person is doing all the giving and another is doing all the taking, it’s not much of a relationship. Sure, the one taking may think they’re getting along fine but the one giving is bound to wear out. When that happens, the taker will be hard pressed to figure out what happened but both will wish there had been a different outcome.
When you interact with people, are you looking for ways to serve them, or are you focused on what they can do for you? “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:13) Let’s strive to believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt, especially when interacting with our Brothers and Sisters. If you’re starting to be offended by something they’re doing or not doing, talk to them. You may find out it was purely accidental, and your relationship will be stronger because you cared enough to ask about it as opposed to taking offense and allowing it to drive a wedge between you.
Leave a Reply
