How To Improve Any Relationship In Five Steps

Proverbs 26: 2 An undeserved curse has no effect. Its intended victim will be no more harmed by it than by a sparrow or swallow flitting through the sky.

Have you felt heartsick over a complicated relationship? What do you do when your loved ones, colleagues or friends let you down? You may have invested precious time listening, praying or financially supporting them. Only to have them missing in action or blatantly cursing you by wishing harm to come to you.

Breaking generational chains is a work God is doing in our lives. And oftentimes the process hurts.

If we want our children and grandchildren to experience all God has for them we first need to face some opposition. Strangely enough the opposition comes from the people we want to see blessed the most.

It often comes in the form of detachment, harassment, misunderstanding and a subtle form of curses wrapped in negativity and insults.

Some wisdom is required during these trying times. We all have them and our first reaction is to lash out or cut them off. The world says, “cut those toxic people out of your life.”

The bible says, “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Let’s look at some ways to deal with sometimes seemingly impossible relationships.

1. Look in the mirror before cutting off those toxic people. We too have faults and weaknesses. It’s easy to find fault in others, not so fun seeing our own. It’s good we aren’t responsible for other’s feelings and we have the power to correct our responses.

2. Perspective is everything when we feel hurt continually by another’s harsh words and actions. What’s their ‘pain’ level on that day? Do they have physical or emotional pain weighing them down? Look at the situation through their eyes. And hold them accountable but extend grace.

3. Remember our identity in Christ. We are loved beyond our wildest dreams by a perfect father. To him we’re beautiful, fully forgiven and the perfect vessel to express his love.

4. Write down and acknowledge the hurt we’ve endured. And take it to him because he cares for us. Vent all of our sadness on him because he longs to be intimate with us in our times of trouble. When we hand over the anger and bitterness he gives us a sweet relief. And that peace that passes all understanding will guard our heart and our mind.

5. Remember that no undeserved curse can harm us. So we’re free to enjoy all the relationships God has given us. In the safe boundaries he has provided we can overcome any opposition we face!

This is a short answer for a deep problem. Maybe Holy Spirit has given you wisdom not offered here. What effective ways have you found to maneuver through difficulties in your relationships?

Feel free to share in the comments.