We all have an enemy, and it’s not each other. Satan’s has an enormous influence on Christians’ relationships. It’s important to remember that brothers and sisters in Christ are not our enemy. We are fighting a spiritual battle against Satan. He loves to divide and cause conflicts because he wants to make our lives stressful. If he can get us to focus on our relationships and get our minds off of reaching the lost and encouraging each other, he has won the victory.
The major source of all deteriorating relationships is pride. Problems result when Christians get so committed to their own views and values that they ignore and neglect the views of others.
All relationships begin to deteriorate when people violate God’s Word,
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Facts About Relationships
All relationships revolve around personal needs. God made us to need other people.
Relationships are continually changing. They will either improve or deteriorate.
We must never play judge and jury and decide the motives and needs of others.
Unfulfilled needs erode relationships. When a need is not met, a person begins to focus on himself and withdraws from those who do not meet his needs.
Relationships can grow stronger through conflicts, yet other times, relationships end.
No matter what the conflict is, we must keep focusing on the good God is working out through this conflict and leave the outcome with Him.