Relationships are tough. Different personalities, life experiences and perspectives cause conflict and disagreements. God’s Word gives us keys to healthy relationships. The Bible is incredibly practical for our lives today.
Romans 12:16
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
Pursue harmony. It is very easy to notice the differences between us and others. It takes intentionality to pursue harmony in relationships. We have to look for ways to get along, work together and live in unity. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another.”
From a musical perspective, harmony is when two different notes are played or sung at the same time, two notes that sound good together, a very beautiful sound. That is what we should seek in relationships with others. Realize that we can complement each other, working together and appreciating each other, pursuing harmony.
We love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We care for one another and we need each other. Jesus said that people will know we are his disciples by our love for one another. Pursue harmony.
Pursue humility. In our world today, it is definitely counter-cultural to pursue humility. This was true in the first century as well. The citizens of Rome despised those who did humble jobs. They only wanted to associate with the social and financial elite. As followers of Jesus, we should live different than the world. We follow Jesus. He was very humble when he walked the earth.
According to Romans 12:16, we pursue humility by:
- keeping a humble attitude
- associating with humble people
- not overestimating yourself
Recently I was walking the halls of my son’s school, and I observed the principal of the school having a conversation with one of the custodians. That is way it supposed to be. The principal not only knew the name of the custodian, but he knew about his family. He really cared about him and his family. Not surprising to me, the principal is a strong follower of Jesus. He pursues humility.
How about you?
- Are you pursuing harmony?
- Are you pursuing humility?
These are two keys to healthy relationships. God’s way is always the best way.