Psalm 11:3-4 poses a crucial question: "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This highlights the vulnerability of a life built on shaky ground. Jeremiah 6:16 further urges us to seek "the ancient paths," the "good way," and find rest for our souls. The central question posed is: "Am I going to base my life on what I think or what God thinks?"
Key Principles for Building Strong Relationships:
God's Design is Paramount:
Proverbs 14:12 warns that "there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." This emphasizes the danger of relying solely on our own judgment.
John 10:10 contrasts the thief's destructive intentions with Jesus' promise of abundant life.
To truly thrive, we must align our relationships with God's design.
This point drives home the importance of letting the creator of relationships, define how they should function.
Our Relationship with God Impacts All Other Relationships:
John 13:34-35 and Matthew 22:36-39 clearly connect our love for God with our love for others. We cannot effectively love our neighbors, including our spouses and families, without first loving God.
These verses illustrate that our relationship with God is not isolated; it directly influences how we interact with the people in our lives. Our ability to love others is a direct reflection of our love for God.
The Takeaway:
Building strong, lasting relationships requires a solid foundation. That foundation is found in God's Word and His design for relationships. By choosing to follow His "ancient paths," we can find true rest and build relationships that reflect His love. We must choose to let God's word define our relationships, not our own flawed thinking.