Friendship. Significant Other. Family. Relationships. “Guy” Friends. “Girl” Friends. Talking. Courtship. Dating. Breaking Up. Engagement. Marriage. Divorce.
Just reading this list of words I’m sure has aroused some memories and intense emotions in you.
I can personally say that a couple of these relationship situations have brought about some intense emotions in me as I reflect on them, both good and bad.
Every one of us has been involved in at least one of these relationship situations and more than likely we have been effected by someone else being in one of these situations as well. Some of these situations make us super happy and giddy when we think about them. Some of them make us straight up belly chuckle, like the friend who will do the most ridiculous things at the most ridiculous times. Some of these situations bring up a lot of past hurt, or even present hurt. Some of these situations arouse fear, doubt, and hopelessness. Some may even bring up anger. And with out a doubt, far too many of us feel and experience confusion when it comes to relationships.
Relationships are confusing and complicated it seems. I mean, based on the list of emotions that can come out of just remembering certain relationships, they must be complicated right?
One question I ask myself on a consistent basis that really keeps me in a healthy perspective in life is this: “Would those words come out of God’s mouth?” So my question here is:
Does God say that relationships are complicated? Is God confused about relationships?
Does God say that friendships are complicated? Does God say that courtship is complicated? Does God say that marriage is complicated? Does God say that family relationships are complicated?
The answer to all of these questions? No.
Now hear me out for a second before you check out. Im not saying all relationships are easy. Relationships require effort. And we’ve all been through some stuff causing us to experience or feel some extreme complication and confusion. However, I’m going to say clearly and confidently:
While relationships are hard sometimes and can feel complicated, they are actually simple. God’s design for relationships is simple.
Some of you may be thinking: “Yeah, it’s really simple — that guy was an a** hole.“ Lol, I hear you. But I’m talking about a healthier version of simplicity. A simplicity that can be summed up in one word — LOVE.
I hope to unpack a few things on the topic of SIMPLICITY in relationships over the next few blogs.
My hope is that through reading these blogs and applying the truths therein, you will experience any necessary healing from your past, and you will have a positive shift in your perspective about your current and future relationships.
Before I give you a sneak preview of what I’ll be covering the next few blogs, I need you to know two things. First, I’m very sorry for what you’ve been through that may have caused you pain and confusion. Second, I’m so thankful for the amazing relationships you have! I mourn with you and celebrate with you.
All the situations you have been through are real. They produced real feelings, real emotions, and were real circumstances. As we discuss simplicity and love in relationships, please know that I will never ask you to ignore your feelings. However, I am going to call you to a higher place of living that is rooted and grounded in truth rather than experience or feelings. God deeply cares about what you’ve been through and how you feel, but He is not content with you staying and living from that place. He’s taking you higher. Are you willing to go there with Him? If so, get excited, because I believe God is going to empower you through His truth to walk in greater love and simplicity in all of your relationships as we unpack the topic together! I’m pumped and I hope you are too!
Sneak preview time!
As of now, unless God changes things up, here are 4 things that we are going to discuss that I believe have robbed us of the simplicity God intended us to have in our relationships:
- We have allowed our past or current experiences to shape how we view people rather than the word of God.
- We have allowed our past or current experiences to define ourselves rather than the word of God.
- We have come up with a list of expectations for others that we have decided our love is contingent on them meeting these expectations.
- We have entered into relationships with the wrong motive. We come in looking to have our needs met, seeking our own fulfillment, instead of entering into relationships with the intent to love the other individual.
God may bring up other things that need addressed as we go, but we will just be led and see what God wants to do. With that said, if you want a specific topic addressed, DM me and if it would benefit the whole, I will write a blog on it.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this topic is heavy on my heart right now, so I’m going to ask that if this blog caught your attention and you’ve made it to this point, please stay tuned in to the next few blogs. I believe God wants to speak to you and do things in your heart.
And just know, I’m right there with you. I’ll be learning during this time as well. We have one teacher, Holy Spirit, and I’m simply going to yield to Him during this process and allow Him to do the speaking while I do the writing.
I love y’all! I pray that this blog finds you doing well!
Challenge: Do a spontaneous act of love today 🙂
In Christ,
Ryan O’Keefe
#AsYouGoChristianity #LoveAsYouGo #YayGod! #WorldRace2018 #11in11
