Relationships are the key to life since that is why God created us in the first place.
Relationships are an integral aspect of our life, and they have a significant impact on our sense of self, the worldview we hold, and the principles we hold dear. God created us with the capacity for community, and He desires for us to coexist peacefully with those around us. Nonetheless, our capacity to manage relationships in a productive manner is frequently constrained by our self-interest, our ignorance, and our lack of insight. Using the perspective of relational wisdom, we will investigate the central idea that life is all about relationships, as well as the subject of how God made us for the purpose of having relationships with one another.
Case in point
Samantha was a devout follower of Christ and had just recently become a part of a smaller fellowship at her church. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to further her faith by forming relationships with other people who shared her beliefs. She began to communicate with the other members, and as she did so, she found that some of them were not as welcoming as she had anticipated they would be. She had the impression that she was being neglected, and her attempts to start discussions were received with disinterest by others around her. Samantha started to experience feelings of discouragement and started to think about whether or not she should look for another organization.
Relationships are the Reason God Made Each of Us.
Because God made us in His own image, we have a predisposition toward developing and maintaining relationships with one another. We learn that “So God made people in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This verse is found in Genesis 1:27. We were made to have a connection with Him as well as with one another and other people. In point of fact, God stated this very thing in Genesis 2:18 “Being alone himself is not healthy for the man in any way. I shall construct an appropriate assistant for him to use.” This demonstrates that God places a high importance on relationships and that he designed us to be part of a community.
Principle: SOG Acrostic
The constructive management of relationships requires a significant amount of relational intelligence. Developing relational wisdom can be aided by using the acrostic “SOG,” which stands for “self-aware, other-aware, and God-aware.” When we are self-conscious, we are aware of our feelings, interests, and capabilities, as well as how these things influence the interactions we have. Recognizing the feelings, interests, and capabilities of other people and responding in a manner that is both polite and helpful are all aspects of the concept of other-awareness. Understanding God requires us to interpret our experiences in the context of God’s Word and to make it a priority to respect Him in our interpersonal interactions.
Advantages include strengthened relationships, increased influence, and compelling witness testimony.
A captivating witness is one of the numerous benefits that come from having relational knowledge. Other benefits include stronger relationships and valued influence. When we grow in relational wisdom, we are able to form relationships that are both deeper and more meaningful with God and with other people. As a result of our increased credibility and the increased receptivity of our guidance, we can also become a more valuable influence on the lives of people who are closest to us. And as we mature in our connection with God and others, we become irrefutable witnesses to the transformative power that He has exercised in our own lives.
Reflective Questions
- In what ways have the interactions you’ve had with other people had an effect on both your life and your faith?
- What are some of the obstacles that you have had to overcome in order to cultivate meaningful relationships?
- How can you grow in self-awareness, awareness of others, and awareness of God in the context of your relationships?
- How can you respect God through your relationships and make a difference in the lives of those around you simultaneously?
Would you consider joining our Relational Wisdom 360 Group Coaching Program?
The Relational Wisdom 360 (RW360) Program is a comprehensive approach that can help you understand your emotions, identify the issues underlying them, and move towards a healthier lifestyle.
Discovering Relational Wisdom, created by Ken Sande, founder of Peacemaker Ministries and RW360, is available now! James Long Jr., an Advanced Relational Wisdom Instructor, will lead 8 group coaching sessions, where you can learn valuable relational wisdom skills to help build your relationships and reduce conflict. With the addition of the RW Acrostics to accelerate skill development and personal growth, practical life applications, along with demonstration videos, this is one opportunity you do not want to miss out on!
Limited spots are available at a special discount for the month of March – join today!
Follow this link now to learn more about our membership and group coaching program!