Can’t We All Just Get Along

I hate politics. I didn’t used to, but I really do now. Get this, I teach Government class, but the plus is that I teach how the government is supposed to function.

Why does it seem like everyone is so mean? Where is the heart to see others prosper and grow? I’m not talking about handouts, but humility in our leaders. And it’s our fault as the people too. We’ve put leaders on pedestals, expecting them to have all the answers, so when they don’t, it’s way too much pride in them to simply admit, “I don’t have the solution now, but I want your help in finding it.”

People wouldn’t vote for the humble leader. I think we see that with every election cycle. Whoever is offensive or giving handouts or anything that we personally like, we want. Most people don’t vote with a view of society as a whole in their ballots.

So for the future politician out there, I just want you to consider Romans 12. For the future voter consider Romans 12. And for goodness sake, Christians consider romans 12!

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18 NLT

Contrary to popular belief, sometimes admitting that you don’t have it all figured out may work in your favor. There may be an element of peace to humbly acknowledging your humanity and admittedly working towards the solutions with others. Bipartisanship isn’t bad, I think it’s necessary.

This verse isn’t saying compromise your Christianity and beliefs, but that where you can get along, do. A person is more likely to hear you when they’ve seen you trying to live at peace with others than when you’re constantly in opposition. Think about that.

Change in Relationships Bible Study

Embracing Changes for Good in Relationships: T.I.C.S.

Relationships are important. Relationships are good (Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And even though they are important and good, there are still times when we don’t want to embrace the new things that come with them. Is it fear? Do we not want to change? Is it the fear of change? Tonight, we will discuss a few components that have to take place in true relationships.

1. Trust – “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”—Stephen Covey

• Why is it hard to trust?
• Trust equals vulnerability, we don’t like to be vulnerable.
• Read Proverbs 3:5-6: If your trust is in the Lord, He will give you the ability to wisely trust others.

2. Identity – “The value of identity of course is that so often with it comes purpose.”—Richard Grant

• We don’t like to change who we are, no matter how much we need to, but why?
• Galatians 3:26; Romans 8:14-16 – I am a child of God.
• Your most important part of your identity never changes.
• You don’t know who you are until you know Whose you are. —Ronnie Williams

3. Compromise – “Let no one think that flexibility and a predisposition to compromise is a sign of weakness or a sell-out.”—Paul Kagame

• Why not compromise?
• I have to give of myself and trust you will do the same (thus leaving me vulnerable) …
• Read Philippians 2:3-4: Show others that they matter.

Note: John 14:15: Compromise anywhere you can, but certainly not your beliefs.

4. Sacrifice – “The most sublime act is to set another before you.” —William Blake

• We don’t like or want to give up anything (especially if we don’t like to compromise).
• Read John 15:13 – If giving up my life is great love, why can’t I give up my time, money, pride, etc.?

How can we cope with change?

Reprogram from society’s thinking: Have to v. Get to Mindset

• We get to grow in these areas.

Question of the Day: If we struggle with these changes, and we are meant to be agents of change what are the steps that we are taking to build relationships with those in our communities who will struggle with the same things?

Beauty and the Beast – The transition of a flourishing relationship when one learns to trust, compromise, and sacrifice to become a better person.

Relationships…

I’ve always worked to not be that girl in life, especially in relationships. I’ve worked, in fact, perfected making sure men were aware of the necessity they aren’t in my life. I’ve strived to not be the one that loves the most or hardest in a relationship. I’ve just wanted to be me and have him fit in wherever he can find room.

People say in a relationship there’s always one person who loves more than the other at some point. I believe that. But what I now understand is that when you love someone you don’t care about that. Love will allow you to act in a way you never had the strength to, so you could care less about who’s loving most because you’re focused on loving period.

I’m in a relationship and I love him. I don’t care that I loved him more on Friday or whatever. I just care about him and us. And guess what? It’s not the worst thing in the world.

I’ve had to grow. And I’ve had to be patient. And I’ve had to open up. And I’ve had to compromise. And I’ve had to do all these things that just aren’t me, or I’ve had to do things I just haven’t wanted to do (and could still stand to do a little more of). These are things I’ve never had to do in a relationship that have been so hard for me at times, but truthfully, it has been worth it every time.