.... if we walk in
the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. 1 John 1:7
Misunderstandings and breakdown in relationships can occur so easily if we are prone to any number of things. These things can be in the form of dishonesty, unfaithfulness, our own insecurities, jealousy, bigotry, believing lies about ourselves and/or others, and you can probably add your own 'deal-breakers' to my list. One of the most common ones is possibly a lack of good communication.
There are any number of books written about communication in marriage and how necessary it is, but communication is also necessary to keep any relationship healthy. Women can tend to have more problems with this than men because generally they seem more inclined to think about relationships more than men do. Also our emotions can be more of a hindrance. That's just how we are. If a friend, or even a husband, is a bit 'off' with us it is too easy to think we have done something to upset them rather than thinking that perhaps they are not feeling well, or are stressed about something that has nothing to do with us. When this happens it is the time to pray, but also to gently ask, "Are you okay?". Perhaps you haven't heard from a friend in awhile; instead of thinking that they don't want your friendship and getting upset, a quick call to say "Hi, how are you?" keeps communication open.
It is the same with our relationship with God. If we make mistakes and beat up on ourselves instead of coming to Him for forgiveness and cleansing, we keep ourselves from freedom and joy. This affects our whole attitude to others as well. Believing the lie that God is sick of us sinning so therefore we are unloveable will also block our fellowship with one another. Allowing ourselves to be forgiven keeps us walking in the light. It is then so much easier to have fellowship with one another. The Bible is truth, and so practical for every area of life.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your Word which is truth. Help me to follow the advice it offers for my success and joy in life. Please show me if there is anyone I need to make contact with today to restore relationship. Help me to know when I begin to block your light. Amen
Misunderstandings and breakdown in relationships can occur so easily if we are prone to any number of things. These things can be in the form of dishonesty, unfaithfulness, our own insecurities, jealousy, bigotry, believing lies about ourselves and/or others, and you can probably add your own 'deal-breakers' to my list. One of the most common ones is possibly a lack of good communication.
There are any number of books written about communication in marriage and how necessary it is, but communication is also necessary to keep any relationship healthy. Women can tend to have more problems with this than men because generally they seem more inclined to think about relationships more than men do. Also our emotions can be more of a hindrance. That's just how we are. If a friend, or even a husband, is a bit 'off' with us it is too easy to think we have done something to upset them rather than thinking that perhaps they are not feeling well, or are stressed about something that has nothing to do with us. When this happens it is the time to pray, but also to gently ask, "Are you okay?". Perhaps you haven't heard from a friend in awhile; instead of thinking that they don't want your friendship and getting upset, a quick call to say "Hi, how are you?" keeps communication open.
It is the same with our relationship with God. If we make mistakes and beat up on ourselves instead of coming to Him for forgiveness and cleansing, we keep ourselves from freedom and joy. This affects our whole attitude to others as well. Believing the lie that God is sick of us sinning so therefore we are unloveable will also block our fellowship with one another. Allowing ourselves to be forgiven keeps us walking in the light. It is then so much easier to have fellowship with one another. The Bible is truth, and so practical for every area of life.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your Word which is truth. Help me to follow the advice it offers for my success and joy in life. Please show me if there is anyone I need to make contact with today to restore relationship. Help me to know when I begin to block your light. Amen
