This was an email I received from a great friend, who I know is struggling in her relationship. How timely it is! I think it is important that when entering a relationship, you must decide early on what you can(negotiable) and can not (non-negotiable) live with. Then pray that something that was not revealed previously does not reveal its' ugly head! Non-negotiables should be deal breakers. What would be your non-negotiables?
Manipulative Relationships
"Fear of man is a dangerous trap."
Proverbs 29:25 TLB
When you enter any relationship, romantic, social, business or otherwise,be careful what you permit in the beginning because it'll come to be expected. For example, if you have to buy someone's friendship by letting them manipulate you, be prepared to keep paying. And don't plan on changing them. Just think how difficult it is to change yourself - so what are your chances of changing somebody else? Decide now what you can live with later. And stop living like there's no tomorrow - because tomorrow always comes! Solomon said, "Fear of man is a dangerous trap."Relationships can't thrive with one person calling all the shots while the other struggles for approval. Paul said he had no interest in "trying to make people accept him." His only interest was pleasing God. (Galatians 1:10 NCV). God will never ask you to violate your values or disobey His will just to be in the good graces of another person. In fact, it's better to be alone than to allow anyone other than God to control your life. Let people know up front that while you'd like their approval you can live without it if you have to. Respect others, and make it clear you expect the same in return. Above all, never let emotion win out over wisdom, or drown out the voice of God in your life. When you're insecure you can be drawn into wrong relationships. Security is a fundamental part of your identity as God's child. Paul says "you are God's masterpiece . . created . . . a new in Christ." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
God wants you free to be who you are. That's why when you ask Him to guide your relationships, He'll help you to form the right ones.
Now, my question for you: How important is it to be in a relationship/marriage with someone who is God fearing and in the case of marriage 'involved' in a church? And by 'involved', I don't mean just in attendance.
Signed,
God's masterpiece
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