Originally published Monday, 28 December 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
How are things going for you in the friendship/relationship department? Would you say that you have good friends or relationships with the people around you or could you use some help? I believe that we could all use some help. So let’s get ready to kick off the New Year right! In this week’s post, I’m talking about developing healthy relationships in 2016!
And guess what? It’s going to start with you! Do a self-examination of where you are in your relationships. Could things be better? Do you need to make some changes in your circle of friends this year? Are you surrounding yourself with the right people? Meaning people who will sharpen you, encourage you, help you, enlighten you, tell you the truth, and love you unconditionally? If you reverse it just a bit, are you going to work on being that type of person for others as well?
With that being said sis, let’s dive into how to develop these healthy relationships in 2016. For starters, let’s talk about…
Developing Healthy Relationships with Friends –Who are your friends? Are they good friends? Here’s the most important question…are they godly? Try to surround yourself with more Christian women (i.e. like-minded people) in this new year. Sure, you will meet people around you who are not saved, that’s life! That’s also a GREAT opportunity to share Christ with them either in word, deed, or your lifestyle. ;-) But the key here is that you develop healthy relationships with friends that will be life-giving, not life-sucking. And that you would encourage one another to keep the faith. Because keep in mind, according to the word...many will begin to fall away from the faith in these last days. So remember to do what the Bible tells us in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT) And don’t forget about 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good character.” It's time to sharpen one another with God’s word and choose the right friends. And let go of the ones who you know in your heart that are not good for you. God will help you to do this right.
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Your Mother - I know life can be pretty busy these days with all the demands of life as women (guilty), but we have to take time to honor our mothers. If your mom is still alive, spend time with her. Cherish her. Respect her. Proverbs 23:22 says, “…don’t despise your mother when she is old.” (NLT) Also, call or text her. Even write a letter or mail her something special. Surprise her! Take her on a trip (that’s what I’m planning on doing…God willing). Whatever you do, honor her in 2016! And if she has passed away, then you have my deepest sympathy, sis. Hold on to the precious memories and encourage others to cherish their moms.
Developing a Healthy Relationship with your Husband - If you are married, spruce up the relationship. Do some different things in 2016. Read up on becoming a better friend and wife to your hubby. Plan a surprise trip for him (pack his suitcase and all). Write and hide sweet notes everywhere. Take him out to dinner. Go to a marriage seminar together (search your city & state for www.weekendtoremember). Keep the lines of communication open. And fight to stay faithful in this immoral and perverse generation with the word of God. Also, respect and honor him more as Ephesians 5:23 says, “…and the wife must respect her husband.” And do good to him and help him. We were created to be our husband’s helpmeet. Proverbs 31:12 tells us, “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” And God said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (NLT) AMEN! So let’s help our kings and do good to them in 2016! ;-)
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Guys (for my single sisters) – God did not forget about you sweet sister. Cherish your single days. BUT…if the Lord is going to bless you with a mate, prepare yourself as best as you can with the help of the Holy Spirit. Meaning, the Lord wants you to be equally-yoked with a guy (and I think you would as well). But to go a bit further, He does not want you to date, court, or marry someone who is unsaved. That wouldn’t be a healthy relationship. Trust me…save yourself from the headache and heartache (I’ve been there too many times). Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 TODAY! I would also add this…please be prayerful, watchful, and discerning with the guys you meet (especially today). Real talk! Ask the question when you meet, “Do you have a relationship with Christ?” Cut the small talk and get to the point…remember you want to develop and build upon a healthy relationship and that’s a great start!
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Your Kids – Take time out of your busy schedule in 2016 to spend more time with your kids (whether they are teenagers or adults). You know your kid or kids to know what they like to do. Cherish the times and be creative! I call it “Taking a LOVE break.” When you and I do this, it develops stronger bonds and relationships with our kids. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live with regrets when it comes down to my kids. Sure, we’re not perfect mothers, we make mistakes. But the Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (NLT) So let’s treasure our gift and honor His great reward more in this new year. Amen!
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Your Sisters in Christ – Now, if you are in church or just in the community around you, you will have sisters in Christ. Sometimes the relationships are good and sometimes not so good. BUT…in 2016, let’s work towards developing healthier relationships as it relates to our fellow sisters in Christ. Try less offense and quicker forgiveness. More love, less hate. Be more positive and give up negativity. Show forth more truth in love vs. being overly opinionated and critical. And keep it light sometimes by taking time to go out to lunch, have a spa day or day out on the town. Meet for coffee or tea to catch up or build up. Go to a worship concert or women’s conference and grow together. Women are relational. So develop stronger relationships with one another in the body of Christ. The Bible tells us to do so in Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)
I hope you’re ready for 2016! Woohoo! Work on developing and building upon those healthy and new relationships, while also becoming a better friend, spouse, girlfriend, daughter, sister, mother, employee, leader, woman of God, etc. Because when you’re healthy, you will be able to help others to be healthy around you.
Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
A book that I recommend this week is entitled, “Time Out for Holiness at Home” by Julie Baker. It’s all encompassing! Grab it today! Also…
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