In yesterday’s blog I shared the first 3 secrets to having thriving relationships. If you missed it be sure and check it out. Today I want to give you secrets 4-7. Having relationships that thrive are important for paving the way for you and those around you to live out potential.
4. Always speak the truth in love.
Ephesians 4:15 says that as you speak the truth in love you will be “growing in every way more and more like Christ.” The relationships on your Life Palette will have greater success as you focus on the “in love” part of that verse. Someone may pride themselves on always speaking the truth (or persistently speaking their mind). However, the key to this relational principle is the “in love” part. If you needed a surgery to remove cancer from your body, a sharp, smooth scalpel would be preferred to a serrated kitchen knife. Both would have the same result, but one would leave a smaller scar and cause less damage. The same is true of how you speak the truth.
5. Always show grace with those whom you disagree.
Don’t be judgmental just because you don’t see eye to eye with someone. In Romans 14:12-13, Paul gives insight into this principle: “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” The focus of this principle is how you respond to those in your life that make choices you believe are wrong. You should always speak in such a way to help them grow, develop, and change, but never beat them over the head. Jesus said, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
6. Always choose to forgive.
When you feel you’ve been wronged or hurt, forgive. As you choose to forgive others, it will allow you to live your life in freedom. Follow Jesus’ example. Hear His words from the cross about those who were crucifying Him: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) The color of unforgiveness will destroy a masterpiece. You will never be asked to forgive anyone more than you have already been forgiven by Jesus.
7. Always seek to add value.
The value of your relationships on your Life Palette will soar as you choose to add value to everyone in your life. You will be a person that others seek out for a relationship. Jesus said He came to give you a rich and satisfying life. How would your relationships change if you set out to be more like Christ to others? Be generous with these principles in your relationships. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
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Questions or comments about today’s blog? Type them in below, I would love to hear from you. Today’s blog is adapted from my book Life Palette, get your copy and live life as the masterpiece God created you to be.