Today, we explored the profound impact of relationships on our lives and how they can lead us to our best year yet. We began by hearing from Dennis and Lori Anderson, who shared their journey of making the past year their best in marriage. This set the stage for our discussion on relationships, emphasizing that whether it's a marriage, friendship, or a work relationship, the goal is to make each year better than the last. We delved into the importance of being in the Word regularly, as it significantly impacts our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
We examined a study from Tel Aviv University, which highlighted the critical role of supportive relationships in our well-being, even affecting our longevity. This underscores the importance of nurturing positive relationships in all areas of life, including with coworkers. We then turned to Proverbs 3, focusing on the virtues of loyalty and kindness, or "chesed," a deep, covenantal love that reflects God's love for us. This love is not just about being polite but encompasses mercy, compassion, and faithfulness.
The story of Frank, a father who demonstrated "chesed" by living on the streets with his homeless, addicted son, illustrated the depth of this love. We learned that fierce love and loyalty are not natural to us; they require intentionality and commitment. By tying these virtues around our necks and writing them on our hearts, we can ensure they remain central in our lives.
The reward for cultivating such relationships is favor with both God and people, as we become more like Jesus, who embodies fierce love and loyalty. Whether it's in marriage, friendships, or work, these principles can transform our relationships and lead us to our best year yet. As we move forward, we are encouraged to define what it means to fiercely love and be loyal in our specific contexts, making intentional efforts to invest in those relationships.
