Weekly Devotional, "Wisdom About Relationships", Nov 1, 2011

from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager

WISDOM ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Proverbs 17:1

As fall transitions to winter, there are changes in wardrobes and food choices. The capris and t-shirts are traded in for jeans and sweaters. The menu moves from chicken on the grill to comforting chicken noodle soup on the stovetop. There’s comfort in the warmth of a fireplace, a mug of hot chocolate, and extra quilts on the bed.

Relationships are one of the comforts of human life that God has gifted us. He intends for us to experience comfort and joy in the love, peace, and unity that are characteristics of wise relationships.

• Those who are wise in relationships care more about who’s around the table then what’s on the table. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife (Proverbs 17:1). Experts agree that sharing meals strengthens family relationships. Children who eat regularly with their families and feel a sense of peace and security around the table, experience better grades, healthier eating habits, closer relationships with their parents and siblings, and a greater ability to resist negative peer pressure.

• Those who are wise in relationships extend grace to all. He (She) who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (Proverbs 17:9). When people makes mistakes the wise cover it with grace and love. The foolish gossip about it. One strengthens relationships; the other destroys them. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12).

• Those who are wise in relationships are quick to help those in need. A friend is loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need (Proverbs 17:17). True friends stick together in the good times and the bad. If one falls down, his (her) friend can help him (her) up. But pity the man (woman) who falls and has no one to help him (her) up (Ecclesiastes 4:10)!

Jesus is the glorious, perfect fulfillment of how to be wise in our relationships. He is a friend to sinners, one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and a servant of all, who in love and humility, made Himself nothing, becoming obedient to death so we can have a forever relationship with God (Philippians 2:5-11).

Wisdom Step: Thank God for the relationships you have. Pursue wise, practical, and fun ways to strengthen your relationships today.   

To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life; to be a good friend is one of the noblest and the most difficult undertakings.  

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