Life consists of relationships. Nothing else in life matters as much as relationships; yet most of us go through life without intentionally learning how to relate to others. Even our most significant relationships often take second place to work, education, and/or recreation. We learn many lessons about relating to others in our family of origin, and much of this learning happens subconsciously. Some of us were blessed with loving, nurturing parents that communicated well and affirmed our strengths. Some of us were not so fortunate. And even the best parents make mistakes. Our friends and teachers also play an important role in shaping our ability to relate with others. The good news is that no matter what our early experiences were like, we can learn to live a life of love. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. By proactively seeking out people who care and who draw out the best in us we can increase our capacity tolove.
And the best news is that no matter how bad your earthly relationships have been, you have a Heavenly Father that loves you unconditionally and intensely. The best teacher when it comes tolearning how to relate to others is God. Our Creator knows what we need and made us to be conduits of his great love. God’s son, Jesus Christ, was Love incarnate. His life models for us what real love looks like. Jesus loved the whole world – even those who nailed him to a cross. Yet, his love was not a weak passive love. He often confronted the pious hypocrites of his day, and he reached out aggressively to social outcasts. By learning from the Master and inviting God’s Spirit to live in us and love through us, we can learn to live a life of love. While it is sometimes difficult to love, every act of love makes the world a better place. It changes the one who is loved, it expands the heart of the one who loves, and it sends ripples of love out into the world.
