Revive Me, Week 37– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord
Fight for Relationships
Perhaps you’ve seen some status posts or memes that convey a “that’s their problem” mentality. They’ll say things like:
Sometimes you have to move on without certain people. If they’re meant to be in your life, they’ll catch up.
I’m tired of fighting. For once I want to be fought for.
Life is short. Only surround yourself with people who get you.
Relationships are worth fighting for but not if only one is fighting.
These comments are sad, aren’t they? They reveal a short-sightedness that comes from thinking like the world. Relationships are worth fighting for. They’re important to God and should be to us as well. I’m not talking about relationships that are unwholesome (1 Cor. 15:33). I’m talking about:
- Being willing to swallow our pride to work through hurt feelings with a sister in Christ
- Drumming up the courage to form friendships with our neighbors
- Continuing to be kind to those who have been thoughtless or mean
- Honoring our parents even if they’ve let us down
- Putting our spouse’s needs before our own, every day
- Giving ourselves, offering our time, opening our hearts to our church family without burning out or getting huffy if we don’t feel our efforts are being reciprocated
God wants us to fight for good relationships. He wants US to make the first move to show others we care. Read Romans 12:9-21.
Suggestions for the Week:
- Break down Rom. 12:9-21 phrase by phrase. List a practical way to demonstrate each command.
- Is there a strained relationship in your life? Have you done your part to work through it? Pray about it and reach out again.
- Check your heart. Is pride keeping you from making things right with someone? Have you been lazy in your efforts to show love?
- Begin to form a new relationship this week. Choose a neighbor, an elderly person or nursing home resident, a new Christian, etc.
Read it. Memorize it. Live it.
Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 