Relationship is the reason we were created. God desired a relationship with human beings created in His image1. His desire is that you choose Him(2). Without God, we cannot love because God is love(3). Therefore, the first place to start in any relationship is to make sure you are in relations with God first. Have you made Jesus your Lord and Master(4)?
From this relationship, all others will be added(5). You can only pour into a relationship here on earth from what you have received above(6). We are able to give to those around us out of the overflow from within us. Spend some time with Jesus letting Him search your own heart and reveal to you the thoughts and intents of the Father towards you(7). Let Him circumcise your heart(8) and remove any hindrance of intimacy between you and God, and therefore you and others as well. Ask Him to create in you a clean heart and renew your mind. A transformed mind is able to better place your values(10).
Pray : Father, I want to know you more. I want to be full of you. Search my heart God and remove from me any wicked way within me, remove any block or hindrance that keeps me from fully loving you and those around me. Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart, a steadfast spirit and a renewed mind. I give you permission to transform me that I will be able to reveal to man your glory at work in me. May your name be lifted high and exalted in me and in all the earth. In Jesus name, Amen!.
If you are struggling in a relationship with another person, keep in mind our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers, principalities and rulers of this dark age(11). Ask for discernment and to have greater understanding for what this person might need and how you can help bring them freedom and peace as a servant of the most high(12). They very likely have been hurt or are afraid and out of these things use anger, manipulation, stubbornness, guilt or a plethora of other things to help control their surroundings and feelings. If you have been wrong, said hurtful things, or made pour choices, be quick to repent and ask forgiveness. As children of God, we are seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus(13). It is from this perspective that we need to view the world and the people in it. Recognizing the root to behaviors, actions and words helps our hearts to move more out of compassion than defense. Having revelation of the Fathers heart towards us and others allows us to move in our relationships with His grace and mercy.
Prayer : Father, open the eyes of my heart to see your intentions towards us. Grant me the perspective of where I am seated with you in heavenly places. Anoint me with compassion for those I am in contact and relationship with here on earth, that I may show the riches of your grace and kindness towards mankind. You are patient and forgiving with me in my transgressions, please give me patients as I forgive those who have hurt me. Lord, I ask that an abundance of your Spirit's fruit abound in me and that you would give me wisdom to walk out my relationships on this earth in your loving kindness and perfect peace. You greatly deserve and I give you all the praise Jesus, in your name Amen!
