No matter what kind of relationships you’re engaged in, there are three undeniable truths about YOU:
- You were made by God for relationships.
- You have a choice in how you think, feel, and respond within your relationships.
- You alone are responsible for you—your choices, your actions, your responses to others.
We cannot change others, but we can and **should** take responsibility for our relationships—the good, the bad, and the ugly! Taking responsibility doesn’t mean you’re a horrible failure of a human being. On the contrary, it means you are owning your stuff and taking steps to being the best version of yourself!
Owning your stuff does not let others off the hook for their stuff; it is only about taking responsibility for yourself. However, as we begin to take the focus off the other person and begin looking honestly at ourselves, and as we begin taking back our power over our own hearts, minds, and choices, we can effect change in the relationship. Dr. Gary Smalley (in The DNA of Relationships) calls that “the Power of One.”
God’s Word says it this way:
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18 (ESV)
Ask yourself these questions and be honest with yourself in your answers:
- Am I only focusing on what others are doing wrong?
- Am I owning my own thoughts, feelings, and responses? Or am I justifying them?
- As I begin to own my thoughts, feelings, and responses, what do I need to ask forgiveness for?
- Knowing that I have the power to change only myself, what can I begin to do differently to improve my relationship(s)?
- God, what do You want me to see and take ownership of?
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (ESV)
Today is all you have. Make today count!
In the grip of His grace,
Mary