THE LOST ART OF RELATIONSHIP
two people just like a relationship. The gap between two people, the things that separate them, could be distance, race, socio-economic status, religion, politics, and so on. To bridge that gap, it needs to have several things. Footings or supports, decking, and suspension cables. Think of each person on each side of the gap as a footing, which needs to be grounded in a foundation that is deep enough to support the weight of the bridge, the relationship. This requires both people to dig way down deep to uncover many things in their life they may prefer to keep hidden, such as sin, evil, or selfish desires. Then they need Jesus to replace what they are digging out with a stable, strong footing or support that can hold the bridge (relationship) when the waves of life come crashing in (1 Cor. 3:11).
Only when two people have done the hard work of shoring up their own foundation, digging deep into the bedrock to provide stability for the relation- ship, can they then begin to span the gap with the decking, using for its support suspension cables that will hold the relationship in place. These suspension cables are the fruits of the Spirit mentioned before, and also things like trust, vulnerability, humility, support, respect, honesty, and forgiveness.
Any relationship built with God as the foundation is structurally sound. Its structural integrity will stand the test of time, and the relationship will endure against the elements of life that come crashing against the supports, including the winds of change that blow against it (Luke 6:46–49).
How structurally sound are the relationships in your own life? Are they built on trust, teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect? Do they reflect the fruits of the Spirit? Spend some time today reflecting on a few of your key relationships to see if any building blocks need your attention. Any time spent strengthening your relationships is time well spent.