A stray dog moved into the Smiths’ neighborhood the same day the Joneses moved in next door, and the dog immediately began to wreak havoc, scrounging in trash cans and tearing up flower beds in both yards. The Smiths were irked that the Joneses had brought such a nuisance into the neighborhood, and the Joneses found it inexcusable that the Smiths made no attempt to control their dog. For several weeks neither couple said anything to the other, while bad feelings festered on both sides. Finally, Ms. Smith could stand no more and gave Ms. Jones a piece of her mind. “Oh,” Ms. Jones replied, “we thought it was your dog!”
Often the things that sour relationships are like that dog—more a matter of misunderstandings or small irritations that get blown out of proportion than actual wrongdoing on anyone’s part. Often all it takes to set things right is better communication, but someone has to make the first move, and that’s not always easy. Both parties, convinced that they’re right or unwilling to admit that they’re not, lock themselves into their positions. Barriers go up. Relationships go bad. Everyone suffers.
Where can we find the humility to admit that we’ve been wrong, or the love and grace to forgive and forget when we’ve been wronged? Where can we find the wisdom to turn a no-win situation into a win-win situation, the strength to buck our stubborn nature, or the courage to make the first move? The Bible tells us that His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). Like all of the other best things in life, the most successful relationships begin with the ultimate relationship—heart to heart communion with “the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17 NKJV).
If you have not yet experienced the ultimate relationship with the living God, you can do so now by praying this simple prayer:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. Thank You for dying for me so that I can live close to You now and with You forever in heaven. I ask You to come into my heart. Please forgive my sins and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You!