I just searched for “Christian Relationships” and “Christian Relationship Pastoring” and all I got was a bunch of Christian singles websites and other unrelated material. I am going to need to do a lot of research if I want to have some good stuff for our relationships series. You see, healthy relationships are far and few between around here, the majority of married couples are married only because they became pregnant, so they got married, this is what their entire relationship is based on, obligation. My heart for strong healthy relationships is becoming stronger and stronger, so I am excited that in February we will be doing a series on how to build strong relationships centered in Christ.
We have many good relationship books, even some secular ones. While Alexis is here she will be helping me out with some of the activities, and we will be doing a few of the talks together. Both Alexis and I have our hearts set on clear communication, being good role models, and keeping God at the center of our individual lives, and of our lives together. I am very excited to do these things, good strong relationships are some of the strongest testimonies to God’s awesome news, but so many people lack the desire to seek God when becoming involved with another human. Alexis and I both know arguments will come our way, life will throw things at us, at times we will feel like we do not love each other, and we will make mistakes. However, if we always seek God, keep him at the center our lives and “us”, and always remember that love is not just a feeling, it is also action, put love into action and the feelings will follow, only then will our relationship honor and glorify God for others to see.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. [1 Corinthians 13:4-7]