The first move

Two Bible verses shed some light on how all relationships, not just the lovey-dovey kind, can work better: be considerate (1 Peter 3:7) and be worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:11). In any type of relationship, it's about growing an environment where the relationship works to help both people get closer to God and become better people. That means a whole lot of encouragement and support, not only when we feel like it, but especially when we don't feel like it. This is perfectly summarised in Jesus' commandment to 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:39 NIV). This means asking God to soften our sharp edges and provide us with the strength, patience and opportunity to show his love to those around us.

Whether we want to work on a tricky relationship, make long-lasting friendships or even just feel loved, let's make the first move, and love others. When we're prayerfully proactive in a relationship, and willing to drop our own opinions and dislikes for the sake of blessing someone, God will add in extra to help.

This doesn't mean becoming a doormat for someone who isn't willing to show love back. Sometimes, there's reason to find the way out of a relationship (and if we do feel as though we need to get out, let's listen to ourselves), but a few steps before that, it's worth considering if we need to bless the other person.



So what now? Make the first move. Find out what would bless your partner/friend/colleague/parent. Now go further and buy/bake/say it.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Love your neighbour as yourself.' Matthew 22:39 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Deut 5-7, Matt 6:19-34, Ps 37:8-15, Pro 11:27-29