Real Relationships

Real Relationships are Genuine and Actually Exist.

Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil. 2:1-4

A Real Relationship is a Connection of Interdependence

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Jn.17:20-23

Communication is the Essence of Relationship

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   Jn. 1:1

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:1-5 

Love is the Glue of Relationships

Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. Col 3:14 AMP

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb. 10:24 NIV 

Our Relationship with Christ is the Basis of our Relationship with Others 

This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for each other as brothers and sisters. 1 Jn 3:16 ERV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:5-11

Practical Rules of Engagement

1. Set aside one on one time
2. Use active listening
3. Pause to think about and feel the other person’s position
4. Don’t seek to contradict their position but to accommodate it
5. Don’t reject the other person because of their imperfections, weaknesses and shortcomings.