Am I Doing This Right?Sample

REAL RELATIONSHIPS

Our relationships can positively or negatively influence how we live and who we are. The book of Proverbs advises us on wisely choosing and navigating relationships.

A righteous man is cautious in friendship
but the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

Proverbs highlight the beauty of true friendship:

A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

The definition of 'relationship' is a 'connection which brings people together.' Whether the relationship is marriage, parenting, or friendship, the goal is to have a connection, a band, and build the glue in the relationship. Before you bond and build a relationship, you need to win the person to yourself. We win people by doing the simple, practical things that show respect and that the person matters - for example, smiling, listening, giving compliments, and remembering their names. We win people by doing kind deeds.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. Proverbs 11:30

Proverbs is clear that relationships are built up or torn apart by the power of our words.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

Remembering that the word 'proverb' means 'comparison,' there is no greater comparative picture than the fruit that is born from positive words and those of negative words. This Proverb highlights reckless words as destructive and painful like a wound from a sharp sword, whereas wise and loving words can bring life and healing. In all our relationships and interactions in our home, work, and daily life, we need to guard and harness our tongues to be better listeners, speak well of others, and sew good deeds.

Scripture: Proverbs 15-21

Prayer Point: Father, I ask for forgiveness in my relationships. Help me be someone who has good character, chooses my relationships wisely, speaks well of others, and sews kind words that win friends. Lord, help me be a good listener and speak well of others.