by Kerry and Chris Shook Life Lesson (from journal): "If we were counting the days before we left this earth, we would be looking for ways to build bridges, to bring about healing, and to enjoy our most important relationships. No one wants to leave this earth with unfinished business. We want to leave our loved ones having experienced the summit of our relationships as the result of our courage to love."Kerry Shook opens Day 11, speaking about how relationships fall apart because of our personal agendas. The rope of acceptance is acknowledged when we give up our own agendas and accept one another in order to bring praise to God. He continues, we need to stop trying to change people in our lives, but learn to accept them for who they are. Easier said than done. We need to stop changing our wives, but cherish them. We want others to be like we want them to be because of our selfish inclinations.
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." -Henry Ford
Ponder This! (from journal) Which of the relational mountains--misunderstandings, a "me first" attitude, mistakes, or something else--tends to come between you and others? Describe one recurring situation. Leave your feedback.
"Rather than cling to the ideal--that this spouse, friend, business partner, or team was the right fit and you'd always understand each other--you must realize that differences of opinion are natural and inevitable parts of every relationship."Consider this wisdom from Proverbs to help you deal with your misunderstanding, a "me first" attitude, and others. (Proverbs 12:6; 15:1; 17:27-28; 18:13,17)
"We have to learn how to compromise (being me loving you) and discover creative solutions that meet the needs of both people. If we truly love someone, it will be easier to change our agenda by having an open dialogue."Ponder This! (from journal) Our ability to accept and understand others grows as we develop new thought habits about people. Readings: Colossians 3:12-15; Romans 15:1-3; 1Thessalonians 5:14; Galatians 6:1-2.
Read these passages, then come up with a few direct ways you might actively love specific people around you. Even small gestures of compassion count. Readings: Proverbs 25:21-22; Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:38; Galatians 6:7-10.
"It's not easy--relationships aren't for wimps. And it's going to take some supernatural help: God's power to love. But the supply is limitless, and the price of His resources never goes up, because they're free."Face Time
Lord, thank You for being my Friend and for showing me how great it feels to be loved and accepted. I want to help other people feel that same way. I want them to be safe in their friendship with me, to trust me the way I'm learning to trust You.
Help me let go of my unrealistic expectations about problem-free relationships. Help me understand people instead of trying to change them, and help me love them with my actions.
Enjoy, I sure did! Leave any comment or feedback you have on today's topic.
Bookmark & Share
No comments :
Post a Comment