Good homes, good Churches and good communities are built upon godly relationships. The most common cause of failure in a relationship is a failure to live by and respond to God’s Word, which results in the fullness of the Spirit. When a believer is filled with the Spirit of God, he or she has the mind of God to go through relationship problems correctly.
You should read Ephesians 4:30 – 5:18. When we are filled with the Spirit (not the same as baptized with the Spirit) we manifest the fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-24. All interpersonal relationship problems stem from one or both parties walking in the flesh rather than walking in the Spirit. In other words, if you are not in tune with the Spirit of God, you will not be in tune with others. Look up and read Romans 12:1-2, 9-20; 13:8-14. There is something wrong with a person who continually has conflict with others and always has to make new friends because of relationship problems with others. Friend, you should have some lasting friendships, and you will if you are saved and Spirit filled. Here are a few simple thoughts on developing lasting, Godly relationships:
- Control your thoughts. Acts 5:3 states about Ananias and Sapphira that “why hath Satan hath filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 tells us to cast dawn imaginations and bring our thoughts into captivity. When your thoughts are out of control, your life is out of control.
2. Control your tongue. (James 1:26; 3:1-18) A loose tongue will destroy a godly relationship. In fact, it is Satan’s greatest weapon. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
3. Control your temper. (Ephesians 4:30-32, 1 Peter 2:1-3) A loose temper is not excused by the Word of God. No Christian should brag on having a bad temper. That Is like saying, “I am not under the control of the Holy Spirit.” Also, it reveals that the person is walking in the flesh rather than the Spirit.
4. Don’t lose sight of Satan’s plan. (2 Corinthians 2:9-11) v11 says, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” James 3:16 states, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Please read 1 Peter 3:7-17 and start working today to make and maintain lasting Godly relationships. Satan wants to cripple your home, destroy your friendships and testimony thereby getting the advantage.