Thriving in a lousy relationship

Often, we may find ourselves tangled in painful and lousy relationships, asking the question, "How do I survive this situation?" Rarely do we even dare to ask how to thrive in that kind of a situation.

But this last Sunday at church,we talked about how the answer to this question lies in the principle of Entering Their World that we see in the life of Jesus. Here's what that looks like:

1. Understand Their Perspective: Just as Jesus took time to understand the people around Him, we too should strive to understand the perspective of the person with whom we're in a relationship. Even if it feels like they are acting irrationally or unjustly, there's usually an underlying reason. Understanding their perspective doesn't mean you need to agree with them, but it helps you better respond and communicate effectively.
   
2. Show Empathy and Compassion: Jesus showed immense empathy and compassion, even towards those who scorned and rejected Him. Emulate Jesus by showing compassion and empathy in your difficult relationships. This doesn't imply condoning harmful or toxic behavior, but rather showing kindness and understanding when interacting with them.
   
3. Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Jesus knew when to separate Himself from others and recharge. It's crucial to establish and maintain healthy boundaries for your own well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s okay, and necessary, to take time for self-care.
   
4. Be Patient and Forgiving: Patience and forgiveness are key to thriving in tough relationships. Jesus demonstrated patience and forgiveness towards those who wronged Him. Try to emulate this in your relationships by forgiving past wrongs and exercising patience.
   
5. Seek Assistance if Needed: Remember, it's okay to seek professional help if the relationship is causing significant distress or harm. Jesus was surrounded by His disciples and supporters; similarly, we are not meant to handle life's difficulties alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.
   
6. Pray for Them: Pray for those who make your life difficult. This not only serves as a petition for their transformation but also helps you maintain a loving heart towards them, just as Jesus did.
   
   

In conclusion, thriving in difficult relationships is possible when we choose to Enter Their World, just like Jesus did. This approach allows us to navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace, patience, and love, even when it seems impossible.

- Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on June 11, 2023.