Good relationships mean treating others with respect
"For the whole law (concerning human relationships) is compiled within one concept. You shall love your neighbor as you do yourself."
- Galatians 5:15 (AMP)
By the pile of luggage, gym shoes and other personal belongings stacked next to the door, I knew the visit with my friend was coming to a close. She had been vacationing here for about a week.
We have been friends since fifth grade. A job change for her husband caused her to move to the Carolina coast several years ago. Now our visits are limited to vacations and occasional phone calls.
But no matter the distance of time or miles, we seem to pick up where we left off. After she was gone, I thought about the blessing of relationships.
Relationships - we all have them. Some are longer lasting than others. Some are here and gone, while others linger with us through the years. I have some great ones, even with friends of the past.
What is a relationship but the ability to relate with others. Relating with people can be difficult at times. But we must learn to relate to those who are different from us, as well as those we feel a close connection to.
We need to treat them all with respect, even the ones who are different or difficult at times. As a nurse, I had to learn to have compassion for what my patients were going through, even if I hadn't experienced it myself. God expects us to do the same. Making an effort to show interest in how others feel or what they do is key to keeping special connections.
A good relationship is based on give and take. Learning the balance of talking and listening provides the opportunity for each to share what they have in common. Learning to say I'm sorry when there has been a communication breakdown can keep the door open. And not always having to have our way, or the last say, keeps the relationship alive.
Allowing each other space for other friends and keeping jealousy away keeps the relationship positive. Love is not touchy (1 Corinthians 13:5) is good biblical advice to keep our feelings from getting hurt and keep the communication flowing.
Relationships can take effort. And not everyone can be our best friend. Sometimes the season for a friendship may be over - and not necessarily for any negative reason. Whatever the duration, following God's basics for relating can make a difference in nurturing healthy relationships.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at P.O. Box 532, Grayslake, IL 60030; (847) 543-8413; or Annetteebudzban@aol.com.