In our last conversation, we delved into understanding God’s design for relationships, a topic that I know you found intriguing. Today, I want to explore healthy relationships with others further. These wholesome associations are essential to our well-being when building healthy relationships.
According to HelpGuide.org, one of the defining features of a healthy relationship is sharing a common goal. This means knowing exactly what you want the relationship to be and where you want it to go. Many components work to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Moreover, the Bible provides invaluable knowledge for building and sustaining healthy relationships.
What does the Bible say about our associations with others?
The Bible teaches us that love is not just a feeling, but an action that drives us to prioritize the well-being of others. This practical aspect of love should be the foundation of our relationships. To love another, you must love yourself; to build strong bonds with others, you must follow the golden rule, reinforcing your bonds and laying the groundwork for healthy relationships.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
— Matthew 7:12 NLT
Mutual respect is the foundation that fosters trust and dignity, which we need to build healthy relationships between individuals. It is also the reason God commands us to love each other.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
— John 15:12 NKJV
Nourish Your Relationships: Forgive the Faults of Others
To build healthy relationships with our spouses, family, friends, and neighbors, we must be willing to forgive them. Forgiveness is a choice. We can choose to forgive someone who has wronged us, just as we can determine not to pardon them. Indeed, forgiveness is a cornerstone of nurturing healthy relationships.
One day, Jesus was praying. When He finished praying, one of His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.”
Jesus responded, “When you pray, say:
‘Father,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’”
— Luke 11:2-4
Building strong bonds and healthy relationships is hard work. No one is perfect, and everyone is offended by something or someone. That is why God wants us to forgive others when they offend us.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “Not up to seven times, but seventy times seven. This is how the kingdom of heaven operates: A certain king wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he could not pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all he had, and that payment be made. The servant begged Him, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that he did. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I pitied you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. (Matthew 18:21-35).
How can the Bible help me build wholesome associations with others?
Keep in mind that perfection is unattainable for anyone, including yourself. Embrace the journey of overcoming your pride. By immersing yourself in scripture and reflecting on its teachings, you can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Make Allowance for the Imperfections of Others
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
— Ephesians 4:2 NLT
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
— Colossians 3:13-14 NLT
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
God’s love is the source of freedom. But remember, your freedom should never overshadow another’s. God’s love is universal, and He loves all. Therefore, let His love inspire you to connect with and love your neighbor as you love yourself.
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Galatians 5:13-14
Don’t Repay Evil for Evil
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
— Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV
When someone causes you harm or injustice, consider the power of forgiveness. Holding onto anger and resentment only prolongs the pain and worsens the relationship. Remember, two wrongs do not create a right. Rather than retaliating, take a moment to pray for those who have wronged you. The Bible teaches us to show compassion, as our Father in heaven extends His grace to all, regardless of their actions. Just as the sun shines warmly on both the righteous and the wicked, and rain nourishes the earth indiscriminately, we too can rise above negativity and choose a path of mercy and understanding. Letting go not only frees your heart but also nurtures the possibility of healing for both you and those who may have hurt you.
