I sometimes get on my soap box about Christian’s who love God with all their heart, and are really sincere about that relationship, but don’t place any focus or emphasis on developing their communication skills or their conflict resolutions skills. Being a Christ-follower doesn’t automatically equip us with Christ-like relational skills. We have to work on them. Hear me out on this: If Jesus was in your friendship circle – in the flesh – would he be the one that always said hurtful things, or the one who gave the cold shoulder, would he operate in denial, would he be the one who always ‘put his foot in it’, the one who held grudges, or the one who was socially and relationally ill-equipped? I say not!
If we are to be like Him, then we ought to develop like Him in every way. In doing so, we are not only pleasing Him, but we will begin to see that our relationships will flourish, our family and friends will benefit, and our stress levels will likely reduce, as an indirect outcome too.
What are you doing about developing your skills in these areas? How much emphasis do you place on your communication and conflict resolution skills? Do you frown upon these topics as though they not spiritual enough, as though they are limited to the work place only? Do you respond with: “Seriously, there’s so much world poverty out there, that I am doing more constructive things with my time”
In my book She Will Run, I devote an entire section to relational growth because my definition of Christ-likeness definitely includes development in these areas of our life. I love watching people do relationships well and I know that as God speaks to you on this issue, and as you begin to apply some key tools and strategies your relationships will experience growth and breakthrough. You will begin to find that relational peace and satisfaction that your heart longs for. Go for it!
Suz
