Relationships are dynamic, and we’ve established in our last session that some relationships are not meant to go with you to your next level. In fact, when dealing with relationships, we must understand the season we are in, and where each relationship fits in the overall plan of God for our lives.

Here are some questions we will look at in this episode:

• How do we navigate changes in relationships?
• Are all relationships meant to last for a lifetime?
• What do you do when a relationship is TESTED?
• What do you do when a relationship’s season has come to an end
• How do we steward the transitions in relationships from one level to another.

Today, we look at the inevitable testing and change that WILL come to every relationship, and how you can steward it in a way that produces a positive and Godly result.

Last week we spoke about the 5 Levels of Relationships.

The key is how do you define these levels.

• Friend
• Acquaintance
• Tribe
• Crowd
• Enemies/Fools

Some relationships are for certain SEASONS. Some are covenantal in nature, and are sent by God to be LIFETIME relationships. Others are SITUATIONAL such as business relationships, educational, etc. Most times, these are also temporary. Some relationships are STRATEGIC, and they have to do with your assignment in a particular season.

All (healthy) relationships are given by God to be mutually beneficial, and for the common good.

Living things GROW; growing things CHANGE

Anything that is healthy is in a constant state of flux, and a static relationship becomes stale and of little use. Every relationship will be presented opportunities to grow into another level … a deeper level.

There are THREE things that can bring change (positive or negative) in a relationship:

1. Testing
2. Seasons
3. Personal Choice

TESTING:

• A traumatic event
• An offense
• Hurt feelings
• Hard words
• Betrayal

Reaction to any of these can produce an unwanted outcome. A mature individual who truly values relationship will be careful to steward the testing with a hope to graduate the relationship to another level.

SEASONS:

Not every relationship is for every season. Sometimes God will send a person into your life, and for a month, or several years, that person will have a significant role in your life, BUT, in another season, that relationship is no longer as meaningful. As you move from one season to another in your life, the relationships in your life have to adjust to your new season, grow with you, or be left behind. This is really a tough one. As you move from one level in your life to another, NOT EVERYONE IN YOUR LIFE CAN OR WILL GO WITH YOU!

PERSONAL CHOICE:

Much like above, when you DECIDE to make significant changes in your life, or in the direction you are going in your life, this creates a demand on your present relationships that must be answered. Your choices and directional changes alter the relationship. People feel as though you have abandoned them, disconnected, moved on, when in fact, you simply answered God’s call to change directions.

7 Things you can do WHEN A RELATIONSHIP IS TESTED:

1. Don’t react … Be Still
2. Pray
3. Look in the mirror and take accountability
4. When your heart is right … go to the person and talk
5. Seek to understand
6. Offer and receive forgiveness
7. Reset

7 Things to check WHEN A RELATIONSHIP seems to be changing:

1. Understand the season you are in
2. Is the relationship ending or changing?
3. What is God requiring of you?
4. Has your change in direction constituted a separation or an adjustment?
5. Is this relationship moving from one level to another?
6. Has the relationship become toxic or limiting to your moving with God in this season?
7. Does this relationship ADD to you, or TAKE from you?

QUESTIONS:

1. Are there relationships in your life today that you know need attention?
2. Have you experienced this TESTING and feel as though you left it undone?
3. Is there someone you need to make things right with?
4. Is there a relationship that you know God is requiring you to let go of?
5. Are you willing to trust Him with your relationships?

WHEN YOU MAKE SPACE, GOD SENDS NEW THINGS

NEXT WEEK:

Next week, I begin a new series on Leadership, Influence, and Why The World Needs You!

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Until next time, remember … You were made in His image, designed for a purpose, and are destined for greatness. The world is waiting for the REAL YOU to show up.  God Bless!

The post #377: What To Do When Relationships Change appeared first on Brian Holmes.