Take care of your relationships

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Lighten up a little”

Our Bible verse for today: “Make room for us in your hearts …” 2 Corinthians 7:2 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Take care of your relationships”

I once taught a marriage enrichment study for couples in our church. Eight couples met every Thursday night to watch the DVD series “Love and Respect” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, followed by a time of group discussion. The DVD was helpful and funny, but the group discussion was the best part. Because of the fun and lighthearted way Dr. Eggerichs presented the material, it encouraged fun and lighthearted interaction among the spouses. It was good to see them laughing and joking with each other and it helped to strengthen relationships.

Although that study was specifically about helping husbands and wives to maintain a strong marriage relationship, the principles taught really pertain to all relationships. The primary lesson is that we must be intentional about nurturing and caring for the relationships that are most important to us because if we don’t, they won’t be healthy (and life is miserable when our most important relationships are not healthy).

That’s also true of life in general. If your life is filled with broken relationships, with conflict and tension, yours will be an unhappy life. The best way to keep relationships healthy is by being intentional about nurturing them.

It starts with simply making room for people to be in your life, and then intentionally interacting with them in a way that builds and strengthens the relationship. In 2 Corinthians 7:2 Paul urged his readers to make room for him in their hearts. In other words, “Make room for me in your life. Give me some of your time and attention and do it in a manner that communicates love and respect.”

That’s certainly important regarding your most important relationships, but it’s also true about the more casual relationships we have, such as with coworkers, neighbors, and church members. Give people a little bit of your time, do it with a sense of love and respect, and not only will you make them feel better, but your life will be better too. Healthy relationships are light and fun. Broken relationships are emotionally draining. You are taking care of yourself when you take care of your relationships.

And be sure to keep it lighthearted and fun when you can. Doing so makes everyone’s day better. That’s one of the reasons I have been including some jokes and funny stories in these devotional messages. It’s to help all of us begin our day with a chuckle and a smile and to share that laughter with others.

Did you hear about the man who sat down next to a nun on a bench at a bus stop? After a moment of silence, the man turned to the nun and said, “I don’t mean this disrespectfully, but I have always had a desire to kiss a nun. I mean just a friendly peck on the cheek. Would it be okay if I gave you a little kiss?

The nun thought about that for a moment and then said, “Well, I suppose it would be okay, under two conditions. One, you must be a single man. And two, you must be a Catholic.”

Without hesitation then young man said, “I am single. And I am a Catholic.” Then nun then said, “Well, okay. You may kiss me then.”

At that the young man placed both hands on the nun’s cheeks and planted a big sloppy kiss right on her lips. Then, laughing, he said, “I tricked you! I’m really married and I’m a Baptist.” The nun smiled and said, “Actually, I tricked you. My name is Kevin and I’m on my way to a costume party.”

By-all-means, my friends, keep it light and have some fun today, it will be good for your relationships. But don’t go kissing people strange to you.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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