Relationships. We all have them, no matter what shape or form they take. These include, family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, those we play sport with, or meet with at church.
Mostly, we are blessed to have straight forward, good relationships with others. Some relationships however, can be troubling. When this occurs, it’s so comforting to know that there is a way to bring out harmony. With divine Love’s help, our prayers and actions can restore peace and goodwill. We can have those good relationships we yearn for, and that are normal and natural between all of God’s people.
How to have good relationships: 7 Takeaway Tips for happy, harmonious, healthy relationships
1. Look for good in yourself and others.
To improve relationships, look for something good in others. This reminds us that God made everyone in His loving image and likeness. Genesis 1:26, 27. He made us good – caring, cooperative, thoughtful, unselfish. Genesis 1:31.
“In Science man is the offspring of Spirit. The beautiful, good, and pure constitute his ancestry.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 63.
2. Be happy.
Harmony is not just an absence of discord. Happiness and harmony are qualities of God, Soul, Mind, which we reflect. To forward good relationships, consent to harmony, believe it can happen, expect harmonious camaraderie to be expressed at home, school, and work.
“Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 304
3. Change first.
To establish a good relationship, begin with yourself. Don’t wait around for someone else to change, or to make the first move. Take the lead, seek reconciliation not separation. Put divine Love into action. Be a peacemaker. Matt 5 :9. Be meek, merciful, pure, forgiving. Matt 5:2-11.
“Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p. 454
4. Forgive.
It may not be easy to forgive someone, to quit holding a grudge, or to graciously accept an apology. Forgiveness is about your peace of mind, not absolving someone of responsibility for wrongdoing. If you know someone who’s wronged you, forgive them, and mentally move on.
“ And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And Love is reflected in love;” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 17
“Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action.” ibid. p. 454
5. Make something beautiful out of adversity.
Sometimes we meet someone who gets under our skin. If this happens, express the wisdom of the oyster and make a pearl! Wrap layers of love, appreciation, forgiveness, gratitude, around the person, problem and yourself. In this way you’ll make something beautiful out of adversity.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” Bible. I John 4:7
“No power can withstand divine Love.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 224
6. Expect good in your life right now.
God is the source of all goodness. We can think spiritually about ourselves and others, not ruminate, reiterate or speculate over discord, chew over past wrongs, hurts, or slights. Instead we can choose to have a life filled with good relationships.
“Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 66
7. Practice thinking spiritually
Good relationships require us to practice the spiritual qualities of goodness and love in every interaction. We can practice equanimity – evenness of mind, patience, gentleness and serenity with everyone we associate with.
“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.4.
RELATED PDF’S:
• View 7 Tips for happy, harmonious, healthy relationships
• View E-card relationships – making a pearl
• View E-card Watch thought – Don’t ruminate, reiterate, or speculate.
• Peacefully resolving conflict
• The courage to apologize the heart to forgive
• Consent to peace – domestic violence/world peace
• SOLO Love One Another
Dear Beverly
Thank you for your post. So many helpful thoughts especially the idea of wrapping layers of love around an irritant as an oyster does. Since thinking about this I have been able to have a positive talk with one of my sons who I have been estranged from for some time and he ended with thank you for calling. I keep knowing “no power can withstand divine Love.
Love Anne
Well done Anne on approaching your son with love and grace. Thank you for your comment. It’s so good to know that establishing good relationships is achievable. Divine Love is the power that binds us together. What a blessing you are to your family.
I absolutely love this article. Thank you. I have been feeling so cross with someone who really has been “getting under my skin” as you so aptly put it in your post. I will wrap layers of love instead layers of resentment around the situation, which has to be a step in the right direction.
Thank you Helen for your comment. Wrapping layers of love around the other person AND yourself is certainly moving in the right direction, and this will bring healing.