Tuesday, March 9

Staining vs Draining Relationships 

Scripture: 

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 

Observation: 

When two believers come together in a sustaining relationship, they act as a chord wound tightly together and strong. Though tough circumstances may hit they can not be easily broken. The chord sustains because it is strong and each strand is life-giving. Neither is taking away from the other but instead are bringing their best to contribute to the relationship to create something stronger. 

Application: 

Like Pastors James and Lydia said, we all have relationships that fall into the two categories of “sustaining” and “draining.” Each has a purpose and the relationships that are draining can be a part of our ministry in who we help to connect with Jesus. Those kinds of relationships are life-giving in their own way but when it comes to fighting spiritual battles, being sharpened, or being poured into, it’s the life-sustaining relationships we need. This is where we, as believers, can pour into one another and build covenant relationships that withstand! 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you for using the word to teach us the importance of friendship. Let us be wise with our time and our energy. May we be a friend to all but not forget to invest in those deep and strong friendships that breathe life into us. Jesus, you are this kind of friend. We want to be like you. Amen.