TOPIC: HOW TO FIND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE 3
BIBLE REF: 1Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 18:17, Romans 12:4-5, Matthew 22:37-39
Intergenerational Friendships
Most of us are surrounded by our peers through our mid-20s. We go to school, participate in extracurricular activities, and have friends in our age group. Then we start our careers, and we’re suddenly thrown into an environment surrounded by people older—and sometimes younger—than us.
When we enter this new season of life, we have one of two options: We can either embrace the opportunity these new relationships bring, or we can retreat to our comfort zone with our peers.
While it may be uncomfortable, it’s almost always better to choose to embrace these intergenerational relationships. Why? *Because we have both the opportunity to learn and the opportunity to share.*
Take some time to evaluate any personal biases and stereotypes that you may have regarding other generations. Then, replace them with truth.
For example, if you think people older than you are going to look down on you, remember Timothy’s encouragement about that:
*Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV*
However, with this Scripture in mind, it’s also important to remember that our perspectives are not the only “right” ways to live life. Check out the wisdom this Proverb offers:
The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins. Proverbs 18:17 NLT
So, find someone older than you or younger than you and start a conversation. It can be as simple as asking a question about what their 20s looked like, or asking them to share their best piece of advice with you. You might be surprised how many things you actually have in common.
After all, we are one body with one mission: to love God and love others. And when we come together from all generations, we can begin to reflect the diversity of the Kingdom of God.
*Pray*: _Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of all generations. This gives me hope as I imagine what heaven will look like one day. I don’t want to miss the opportunities You have given me to share and receive wisdom from other generations. Help me be intentional about making friends from all generations, and show me what next steps to take to make my friend group more diverse and multigenerational. In Jesus’ name, amen._
*Challenge:* On a scale of 1-10, how much do you value relationships with people from other generations? Take one step today to move your number closer to 10.
... Please Stay Tuned For Continuation
MARRIAGE HEALING DEVOTIONAL, SERIES 12 PART 4
TOPIC: *HOW TO FIND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE 4*
BIBLE REF: Matthew 16:21-23, Luke 5:15-16, Matthew 22:37-40
*Boundaries Are an Act of Love*
Conversations about boundaries are often reserved for romantic relationships, but they apply to friendships, too. Many times, boundary conversations can be difficult to have because we’re scared of hurting people’s feelings.
We may even feel like we’re not supposed to set boundaries as Christians, citing verses about turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and carrying one another’s burdens.
*But what if boundaries are actually the secret ingredient that allow us to love others better?*
_A boundary ensures that we remain our healthiest self physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually_. *And if we want healthy relationships, we have to be healthy personally.* That’s why Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
So, if you have a relationship that consistently drains you or feels one-sided, it’s likely that it’s in need of some healthy boundaries.
And guess what? Jesus set boundaries with His disciples throughout the Gospels. Remember His close friend, Peter? When Peter rebuked Jesus for predicting His death, Jesus set a boundary to protect God’s plan.
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew16:23 NIV
_Another way Jesus set boundaries was protecting His time with God. He left the crowds and His friends often to withdraw to the wilderness to pray. Think about that for a second._ That means that He walked away from people who needed help and healing to spend time with His Father.
*We have the same opportunity to set healthy boundaries so that we can bring our best, loving selves to the relationships around us.*
So instead of avoiding conversations about boundaries for fear of hurting people’s feelings, embrace them so that you can love people well. _Because when you set healthy boundaries, you are bringing your healthiest self to your friendships, and everyone will benefit from it._
*Pray:* _Heavenly Father, relationships can get messy, and boundaries are hard. Please be with me as I reflect on my relationships and consider where healthy boundaries need to be established. It is through Your strength that I can have important conversations, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Give me the courage and confidence to set the right boundaries in all of my relationships. In Jesus’ name, amen._
*Challenge:* _Many of us have a relationship that could use healthier boundaries. Reflect on that relationship today and pray for the other person. Then, schedule a time to have a healthy conversation about some necessary boundaries._
... Please Stay Tuned For Continuation
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