We all would love to have great relationships. Who doesn’t want a strong marriage, a loving family, and great friends? But like anything else we want, it doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes commitment and requires determination, discipline, focus, and having a plan. In fact, for a time you have to serve your commitment, and eventually that commitment will serve and benefit you. Some people fear that if they make a commitment, they’ll end up being disappointed. But it’s only the commitments you make with your whole heart that cause you to gain in the long run.
I saw this demonstrated so clearly at a couple’s twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It was obvious just how much the husband loved and cherished his wife by his words and the way he looked at her. When I asked him about it, he said, “You know, I love so many things about her, but there are moments when she’s not so lovable. She does some things that don’t make it easy…but I love her anyway.” Those words give a glimpse into what his commitment to having a good relationship with his wife required. It meant keeping his mouth closed in the difficult times when she wasn’t so lovable. He chose to look at all the things that he loved about her rather than let a few negative things diminish the commitment of his love.
Loving relationships at any level require that we be good to people when they’re not being good to us. The Scripture says, “Above all, have a fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Yes, you have to overlook offenses, unkindness, selfishness, and cutting words. You’re going to have to release anger and bitterness. It takes restraint. But on the other side of that costly commitment of love is amazing blessing. You’re going to get to enjoy relationships and things you would never have enjoyed otherwise.
So how are your relationships? Hoping to see some improvements? You may be right on the threshold of a breakthrough in a relationship, but your commitment has to involve determination, discipline, and focus. You may feel that you can’t do it on your own, but you’re not on your own. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” You can commit this relationship to the God who is committed to you. He is saying, “Focus on your commitment, and believe that I’m going to help you bring it to pass.” Then put actions behind your commitment so that He can release His power in your life. I believe you’re going to experience an amazing relationship that will last a lifetime.