Keys to making relationships work

People fall out don’t they? People hurt people. Mature Christians and even Pastors can damage friendships that were once beautiful and people in the pew can make it very difficult to be a person in the pulpit.

How do we make relationships work?

Paul and the Corinthian Church help us see what we can also do as Paul worked out their relationship together.

“Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. ⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 2-4)

Division is generally created not only because of information received but the heart of a person becomes closed to the other. Trust leaves. The door of the heart shuts and a decision is made that closeness has finished. That person will never come near again.

You will know as many people as I do whose hearts are closed off to others. I know Christians of long-standing, people of influence, whose hearts are closed to one another.

• Paul had reached out to them with an open heart. Remember this, “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open?” (2 Corinthians 6 v 11) If you want someone to be warm to you then you must be the first to reach out to them. It is easier to ask for open hearts when yours is already demonstrating it.
• Paul is confident in his conduct. He hasn’t wronged, corrupted or cheated anyone. He isn’t an abuser of his position. He hasn’t harmed anyone. Rather his love for them meant he would die for them. Examine your actions. If you’re confident of your behaviour then say so.
• Paul never minimised his approach to the church. When he spoke to them regarding the influence of the world by being unequally yoked, he realised this was with great frankness. When he spoke to others about them it was with great pride and all of it led to him being greatly encouraged. Such language makes the other feel important.

It all paves the way for the request to make room in their hearts, to trust him, to open their hearts and be positive towards him. Keys to any relationship.