The number one way to destroy a relationship…

Philippians 2:4-5 (LB), "Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in other's too and what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the kind that was shown to us by JESUS CHRIST."

JESUS is the model.  JESUS, when HE came to earth, had our best interest in mind. The Bible says that without JESUS CHRIST we are separated from GOD for eternity.  JESUS came to bridge that gap, restore that fellowship between us and GOD.

And when your outlook comes under GOD's control you, all of a sudden, start becoming a little more understanding.  That's another characteristic about gentle people, they are understanding of others. They see where they're coming from.  They're understanding of their weaknesses and limitations.

Acts 20:35 (TEV), "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." 

And 2 Peter 1:6&7 (LB), "Learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly.  This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and finally you will grow to love them deeply." 

Something happens to us when we start reaching out to other people instead of just being concerned with ourselves.  We start becoming caring and loving towards them. 

Gentle people do understanding not demanding.  They are understanding of others not demanding of their own way.  People whose outlook has remained outside of GOD's control are very selfish people for the most part.  The number one way to destroy any relationship is to be selfish.  It works every time, without fail. 

James 4:1-2 (TEV), "Where do the fights and quarrels among you come from?  They come from your desires which are constantly fighting within you.  You strongly desire things but you cannot get them so you quarrel and fight." 

James 3:16 (LB), "Wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil."

We become gentle when our outlook is under GOD's control.  As GOD begins to change us we become more understanding of others, more sensitive to their needs, not demanding our own all the time. 

Just a thought from the front porch…