We have looked at:
- mending relationships
choosing the future we want to create
- forgiving to break cyles of hurt and harm
Today we will look at committing to relationships

We are commitment-phobic

We rarely say to people we are committed to you forever, instead,
we are committed as long as it's convenient
As long as our interests align
As long as it makes sense
As long as it's not too hard

We have contrived that freedom is freedom from any obligations
or responsibilities, and we get to do whatever we please
Which is a mockery of freedom
This idea is killing our relationships

We say I’m willing to commit here
...Just as long as it's good
...As long as I agree
...As long as its working and there isn’t’ anything better down the
street

I believe it is in long-term committed relationships where you truly grow, deepen, and flourish.

In her pain, Naomi pushes away the last supports she has.

We can be so consumed by our pain that it shifts from simply being pain, to being emotions that define us.

The story about Naomi and Ruth reveals how to get out of a place
of being defined by bitterness.
...You have someone join you on your journey.
...Ruth, Naomi's daughter in law, commits to joining her

Naomi is transformed back into being pleasant and connected
it Isn’t just because of Boaz
it isn’t just because her circumstances change
it isn’t just because of a grandchild.
The reason Naomi’s life is changed is because of Ruth, because Ruth committed her life to Naomi

Commitment in relationships changes lives.

Challenge
Whether you feel more like Ruth (healthy able to help), or Naomi
(exhausted and bitter), pray for God to open your eyes to someone
you can commit to, and journey with, as a friend.