Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Relationship stress is emotional, mental or physical strain that arises from conflicts, arguments, unmet expectations, difficulties, poor communications, trust issues in a relationship. Relationship stress will result in loss of peace, joy and trust and adversely affects sleep, appetite and concentration.
However, God’s Word teaches us that when we choose to walk in righteousness even our enemies will become our friends. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). There are some people who cannot be pleased or satisfied. Our loving gestures and kindness will be of no value to such people. It is not because you have done something to displease them but because they choose envy, animosity and hatred rather than love.
The Lord God blessed Isaac and he became very wealthy that the king of the Philistines Abimelek said to Isaac, “Move away from us; you have become too powerful for us.” (Genesis 26:17). Isaac was attacked unreasonably over and over again by the Philistines who were envious of him. They threw dirt into the wells that his servants dug and seized the wells of his father Abraham. Yet, Isaac moved away from them and dug another well. Isaac did not argue, arbitrate or horde animosity. He did not fight back but allowed the Lord to fight for him. He chose righteousness rather than revenge. Isaac’s conduct pleased the Lord and the Lord made the same king who drove Isaac away from his territory come back to him with a peace treaty. “We saw that the Lord was with you; so we said, “There ought to be a sworn agreement between us. Let us make a treaty with you” (Genesis 26:29).
Don’t stress about difficult relationships – allow the Lord to fight your battle and it will end in a peace treaty.
Destress:
- Friction: Don’t fight back friction with fury. Exhibit the fruit of the spirit and God will win your battles.
- Foe: Those who hate you for no reason are envious of you. Pray for them.
- Favour: God’s favour rests on those whose walk is blameless.
Righteous living turns foes into friends.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, teach me to befriend even foes with love and patience. Amen.
Leave a Reply