I had read this article called, "Science Says Lasting Relationships Come Down To 2 Basic Traits" relating to 'masters' and 'disasters' in relationships. It says, "Much of it comes down to the spirit couples bring to the relationship. Do they bring kindness and generosity; or contempt, criticism, and hostility?"
In a training I received this Saturday morning, my teacher asked. "How can you help a friend see life's trials through a Biblical perspective." What if he says, "I'm in an unhappy marriage and want to divorce my wife to be happy." I had a friend approach me recently with that same idea and I responded in the moment with Ephesians 2:10.
"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I think back on my parents divorce and relational trials we've had over the years. Having lost my faith and hope during rebellious years, I needed help and my dad was that help. I see clearly that God gave my dad work to do in my life - that only he could do. God's given me eyes to see how much he gave of himself to care for our family and how he desired to please the Lord. I told my friend that the work of a husband, a father, a brother, friend or co-worker are these special good things that God planned long ago. I relate this back to part of my life verse 1 Peter 4:7-11;
"Love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins"
I've seen this as our love doesn't pay for sin (only God did that through his Son Jesus Christ)
Love covering sins is preventative (words and actions) -
What's my point?
http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11
In a training I received this Saturday morning, my teacher asked. "How can you help a friend see life's trials through a Biblical perspective." What if he says, "I'm in an unhappy marriage and want to divorce my wife to be happy." I had a friend approach me recently with that same idea and I responded in the moment with Ephesians 2:10.
"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I think back on my parents divorce and relational trials we've had over the years. Having lost my faith and hope during rebellious years, I needed help and my dad was that help. I see clearly that God gave my dad work to do in my life - that only he could do. God's given me eyes to see how much he gave of himself to care for our family and how he desired to please the Lord. I told my friend that the work of a husband, a father, a brother, friend or co-worker are these special good things that God planned long ago. I relate this back to part of my life verse 1 Peter 4:7-11;
"Love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins"
I've seen this as our love doesn't pay for sin (only God did that through his Son Jesus Christ)
Love covering sins is preventative (words and actions) -
- it means to me that when I choose to not retaliate against my accusers, it prevents more sinning from that person. (1 Peter 2:23,3:9, Matthew 5:38-39)
- It's the grace by which we can give more than asked or required (from adversary, under duress or someone without means) - Matthew 5:40-42
- Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you acting like children of God in heaven (5:43-45)
- A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. (Proverbs 17:10, Matthew 8:26; 17:18), Yet Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
What's my point?
- Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:3-5)
- My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
- When we place our faith in Christ Jesus...What's important is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6
- For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)
- Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11
