How well do we interact and get along with others that we share our world and lives with? After all, to understand and be understood is at the core of positive change. May we navigate well through the relational health maze, seeking our Heavenly Father as we pursue healthy relationships. 

Our overall health is multi-faceted. We often refer to spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health—all huge components in our well-being and that of others.  A larger umbrella that encompasses various aspects of these elements is cultivating healthy relationships.  

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Our relationship with God requires sacrifice. His relationship with us required nothing less than the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Building a relationship or restoring is dependent on the willingness of both parties to sacrifice for each other without making demands in return.

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Christian author, counselor, and founder of New Life Ministries, Steve Arterburn shares some relationship advice on major contrasts between healthy and unhealthy relationships.  They include forgiveness vs. resentment, sacrifice vs. demanding sacrifice, friendship vs. victimization, reality vs. fantasy, honesty vs. deception, and security vs. fear. Understanding these contrasts can help us learn how healthy relationships work and how we can grow toward them.  

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Seeking and maintaining unity in the body of Christ is best obtained when we pursue prayer, mutual respect, affection, trust, honesty, affection, and allow each other the freedom of being ourselves. Ephesians 4:2-3 states, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  May we navigate well through the relational health maze, seeking our Heavenly Father as we pursue healthy relationships.