Thursday, August 1, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

It Has Been Good

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

On reflecting on his more than six decades of marriage to the love of his life, my uncle recently told me that he has been fortunate because he and my aunt have lived a GOOD life together.

When you are journeying through life with anyone - a spouse, sibling, or friend - naturally, with the pressures of life, there is always potential for conflict. However, when you truly love someone, the "good" memories in life should surpass all others.

One of Webster's definitions of "good" is "virtuous." Today's verse encourages us to focus on the just, pure, lovely, GOOD, and virtuous things. Virtue is living a life of courage and of doing what's right.

Sadly, many relationships expire quickly because people don't have the courage to work things out and haven't focused on what has been done RIGHT in the relationship.

Instead, many often consume their minds with past offenses and hurts that hinder us from moving forward in our relationships with others and ultimately with God.

When focusing on the negative, you are putting an expiration date on your relationships.

I believe that the secret of creating and maintaining an "It Has Been Good" relationship can be found in Ephesians 4:2 ---"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

By focusing on the characteristics found in the verse above, we are able to build those lasting relationships with others - we are able to disregard the negative and only SEE the positive. We understand the importance of recognizing the needs of others AND often placing those needs above our own.

My challenge to you today is to take a little time to reflect on your relationships with those close to you --- your friends, your family. Are you humble, gentle, patient, loving - a clear reflection of Ephesians 4:2 in their lives? Do you focus on the GOOD times or do you keep rehearsing past hurts? If you determine that you are still a work in progress in this area, realize that it is worth the effort .... worth the sacrifice.... worth the reward of maintaining relationships that will be sustained throughout eternity.

Dear Lord, Help me to always be a supporter and encourager in the lives of all those I encounter. I desire to build lasting relationships - ones that are reflective of Your love.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.