Imagine if all people's lives were fully surrendered to Christ, meaning that they are under the total control and surrender to the Holy Spirit. How would their relationship with one another look like?
It would almost seem like being in heaven, wouldn't it?
So how do we demonstrate godliness in our relationships? Dr. Neil Anderson shares 3 suggestions :
1. Balance rights & responsibilities.
Here's an example:
As husbands, we tend to demand that our wives submit to us (Ephesians 5:22). However, the godly man does not demand that right. Instead, he obeys the command to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).
Think about how we can balance our rights and responsibilities as parents, teachers, managers, or employees. Do we focus too much on demanding our rights or do we make it our effort and goal to fulfill our role and responsibility to the best of our ability?
2. Learning Not To Be Defensive
When someone attacks our character or reputation, we tend to be defensive and fight back. To do this however, is completely pointless. If we're right, then we have nothing to be defensive about. If we're wrong, then we have no defense. Let's follow the example of Christ :
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
- 1 Peter 2:23 (New International Version)
Ponder this : people who smear our character tend to be carrying hurts or just plain immature. If someone does say something nasty about you or judges you, try to determine why they are doing it. Most likely, it is due to some unresolved issue or hurts in their lives. A believer, whose life is under the full control of the Holy Spirit, will NEVER slander a fellow brother or sister in Christ.
3. EXPRESSING OUR NEEDS
We're human. We have needs: the need to be loved, affirmed, and many more. How can these fundamental needs be met by others without us coming across as demanding of our rights?
Consider this principle in the Bible:
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
-Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
When I give out a good measure of love, more than what is expected even...it will be returned to me in equal measure. Give affirmation and give it out generously. See how you will be affirmed generously in return. Give little then expect to get little as well.
What an awesome principle! Try it out. It really works!
Remember that we can never change people, we can only change ourselves and change how we treat others. Love your neighbor. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Lastly, let's make it our pursuit this month to obey the commandment below :
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...
-Philippians 2:3-5 (New International Version)
It will not be easy, but seek the grace of God and His strength to enable you to do so.
