It only takes one bad thing to ruin a reputation. You can perform hundreds of excellent deeds, all of which are good and wonderful. However, it only takes one mistake and that is what people will remember. If we are not careful our relationships will end in tragedy if we focus on the one bad thing. Two things to help us build strong relationships that will stand the test of time.
First we must keep our focus on God. If we focus on God He will be the center of the relationship. I have used a triangle in the past for an example of the relationship between a husband and wife. OK other people have used it too. I had a pastor when I was in the Navy share this example in a sermon. Anyway if you use the triangle in any relationship you can visualize how focusing on God and growing closer to him will allow the two people to grow closer to each other. We must put God on the top and we are placed on the bottom corners.
Second thing is love. We need to focus on God’s love not only for ourselves but His love for others. After all He loves that other person just as much as He loves me. Since that is the case should I not have a little more patience with that person? Shouldn’t I be a little more tolerant and accepting? If God loves them and accepts them as they are who am I to do any different? Am I bigger than God that I can disregard His love and will for other people? What would happen if we all did that?
God’s love needs to flow through us for other people to receive. We need to over look our differences and mistakes. We need to focus on the hundred good things and forget the one bad. If we could do this for everyone just maybe this world would be a better place. Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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