We all have them and we can’t escape them. Relationships can be the
most rewarding experiences in our lives, or they can be confusing and painful. To the average person, it may be easier to understanding the workings of a complex engine than to understand and relate to some people. An engine is
logical and predictable, it makes sense. People very often don’t, right?
However, relationships, including marriage, friendships and people you work with, are important, because people are the only things in this world that have eternal value. Not only are they God’s way of providing us with the love, affirmation and healthy self-esteem we need to be a well-adjusted person, but they are also His means of developing our character. That part I’m not too crazy about.
Investing in your relationships is a long-term process which can lead to a rewarding life.
Here are some investment tips:
Understand
In order to relate well with people it is important to try and understand them, and for this, good communication skills are essential. While it helps to be able to express how we feel to others, it is arguably more valuable to be able to listen and hear where they are coming from. Communication is more than just the words we speak - it is the feelings and ideas behind the words. Sometimes we need to ask questions to ensure we have really understood what someone is saying.
Encourage
Think about the words you use when speaking to or about others. The words we speak create the environment we have to live in. What kind of environments are we creating in our homes, our friendships and our workplace?
However, relationships, including marriage, friendships and people you work with, are important, because people are the only things in this world that have eternal value. Not only are they God’s way of providing us with the love, affirmation and healthy self-esteem we need to be a well-adjusted person, but they are also His means of developing our character. That part I’m not too crazy about.
Investing in your relationships is a long-term process which can lead to a rewarding life.
Here are some investment tips:
Understand
In order to relate well with people it is important to try and understand them, and for this, good communication skills are essential. While it helps to be able to express how we feel to others, it is arguably more valuable to be able to listen and hear where they are coming from. Communication is more than just the words we speak - it is the feelings and ideas behind the words. Sometimes we need to ask questions to ensure we have really understood what someone is saying.
Encourage
Think about the words you use when speaking to or about others. The words we speak create the environment we have to live in. What kind of environments are we creating in our homes, our friendships and our workplace?
Trust
Trust is foundational to a strong relationship. Our partner, family member or friend needs to know that they can depend on us to keep our word, that we are a person of integrity.
Forgive
Throughout our lives there will always be people who hurt or offend us. If we hold on to our hurt feelings, they will develop into bitterness which will eat away at us on the inside. Forgiveness is not for the sake of the other person, to let them off the hook; it is for our own sake.
Investing in your relationships is the key to a happy life but it does take some work. The effort is well worth the investment in others.
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