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Long-lasting relationships take work, understanding

Relationship is defined as: “The way in which two or more people or organizations regard and behave toward each other.

Without relationships we would be alone and lonely!
I believe a major key for a positive relationship is “mutual reciprocity.”
Reciprocal relationships simply follow from another person’s actions related to their giving to us. This giving comes with at least “a limited expectation or potential for expectation of a future reward.”
Concerning relationships, Frank L. Bellamy Jr. shares: “Respect other people, treat others how you want to be treated. Life is too short: ‘here today and gone tomorrow.’ Every individual has their own way. Great interpersonal relationships begin at home. So make sure you are doing your very best to be in touch with your children, love ones, and others!”
While it is imperative that persons in relationship be dedicated to one common goal this not mean that those in relationship have to walk in “lock step,” having no individuality or diversity. In fact, diversity and individuality in a relationship is a great thing.
What is very important for relationships to flourish is based on another basic foundation: the members must respect each other’s views and opinions.
The Apostle Paul sums this up in an excellent way: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12 RSV)
For a relationship to effectively work transparency is essential. Transparency means that you are not hiding anything from anyone in the relationship. Honesty is so very important for a relationship to thrive and grow.
There must be a deep, common concern among all the members for all the persons that are in relationship with each other. “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26 RSV)
Earlier I wrote about reciprocity (giving with an expectation of a future reward) being very valid in a relationship. Still, the greater plateau in a relationship is that of “Altruism” (giving with no expectation of a future reward).
As to relationships, the gospel according to the Beatles still rings true: “All you need is love.” There is “Eros Love” (passionate love), “Philia Love” (friendship and shared goodwill love), and “Agape Love” (a selfless, sacrificial, unending and unconditional love). Agape Love is the highest love of the three listed. The true penultimate altruistic model for relationships must seek to rest on agape love!
It is stated: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a command based on Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount saying: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (St. Matthew 7:12) The Mosaic law contains a parallel commandment: “Whatever is hurtful to you, do not do to any other person.”
Through actively practicing the aforementioned, people will treat you even better, and regarding your relationship with yourself, you will have an even greater satisfaction, love and trust for who you are!
St. Mark 12:30-31
Great relationships take a lot of work!
Reverend Billy Graham thank you for your service! Preacher rest in peace!

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