11 Verses for a Christ Filled Relationship

Well, I've done my laundry, cleaned my apartment, finished my homework, and nearly completed my "to-do" list. The only thing left on that list is write this post. I have done every possible thing to put off writing this post but the time has come and I must do it.

You see, when I planned this post about two months ago, it was a simple, lighthearted, "preaching to the choir" type post.

However, as I sit here today and type my favorite verses on the topic, I am just crushed and torn apart by each and every one. The realization sinks in, I do not have a Christ filled relationship. Sure, He is in it, in bits and pieces, but it is not filled by Him. We have allowed ourselves too much control and given ourselves too much credit for the things that have happened, when we have no credit to give.

Let's start at the beginning...

Genesis 2:18  "The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:24  "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

So far I have learned that we are meant to have a significant other, and that in due time we will unite with this other to become not two but one. This is the easy part. The part where we realize what is to come. The part before the "real life" part. 

Then come the struggles... 

anger, resentment, selfishness, lack of communication, etc.

The areas where I constantly fall short. The areas I like to deny exist. The areas I ignore as I walk forward in my (highly) self-centered lifestyle and pretend they only affect others. These are the areas in which I we fail.

1 Peter 5:6-7  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Ephesians 4:2-3  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:26  "And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."

Proverbs 17:14  "Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."

1 Thessalonians 5:11  "So encourage each other and build each other up, just a you are already doing."

I find it easier to internalize everything, to let anger control me, and to bring the ones I hold dearest down rather than encourage them. I do everything without thinking how it affects others because it is what is easiest to me. 

These are the areas than unravel me...

but there is hope, there is always hope...

2 Timothy 1:7  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Deuteronomy 31:8  "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you."

Matthew 10:39  "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it.

1 Peter 4:8  "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."