What is the desired outcome of a relationship?
Well what makes for beautiful relationships is something a bit more than mutual appreciation.
Previously in this series on relationships, I explored how priority in relationships can help in the first place. That considered how loving God first and knowing how we’re loved by God is the basis for flourishing and enriching relationships.
An aspect of that is seen in purity there is in the vertical relationship. However much we look to wear masks or hide the issues in horizontal relationships, the engagement with God is one in which He knows better than we do the condition of our hearts. On one hand this can be daunting and scary that we cannot hide from Him. Yet the intended outcome of this truth is for us to put our focus on Him. See Him as He reveals who He is and be changed in the light of that.
The desired outcome with Him is clear. He wants us to relate to Him in ever developing degrees of honesty and purity. This is why confession is useful in the vertical relationship. We know we don’t have to put on airs and graces and seemingly look to soften Him up for the request. Rather we can admit where are and find security in who He is to not find condemnation, but find correction in love.
Misunderstanding is common place in relationships. Experiences in relationships can often be used to give insights into who we are. Humility allows us to be open to how God operates in His encounters with us and that can support how we then engage with others.
So, for example, the purity in the relationship with God means we grow in appreciating His mercy to us. As we become ever aware of that, so we look to become those who practice that in our relationship with others. We can receive reasons to be frustrated at the other, but as we appreciate God’s mercy to us, so we extend that and maybe at times in doing that we can even appreciate why others behave the way they do. Understanding that and then seeking God to likewise have mercy on them.
Purity in the vertical relationship gives us the capacity to extend that in other relationships. It’s not to expect or demand reciprocity. It is to grow in trusting that we are able to be and be grateful for that and see character being shaped to be like the holy one.
(Photo by Everton Vila on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 