AUTHENTIC LOVE - VALUE OF OPEN RELATIONSHIPS

(Author unknown) 

Love is a magnet that draws us together, not a wall that keeps us apart  

LOVE is patient.

LOVE is kind.

LOVE is not jealous.

LOVE does not brag and is not arrogant

LOVE does not act becomingly.

LOVE does not seek its own.

LOVE is not provoked.

LOVE does not take into account a wrong suffered.

LOVE does not rejoice in unrighteousness.

LOVE rejoices with the truth.

LOVE bears all things.

LOVE believes all things.

LOVE hopes all things.

LOVE endures all things.

LOVE never fails.

 

      ABC's OF LOVE

"I accept you as you are."

"I believe you are valuable."

"I care when you hurt."

"I desire only what is best for you."

"I erase all offenses."

 

1. WORK AT IT

   Being a good friend does not happen spontaneously.  GOD gives us the will and the desire and then helps us to do it if we get moving. 

2. LEARN TO COMPROMISE

   Each individual needs the freedom to be himself while still adapting to the other's needs. 

3. SEEK TO UNDERSTAND

   One of the keys to a good relationship is to realize the other person is not only trying to understand, but he/she truly cares. 

4. AFFIRM YOUR FRIEND'S WORTH, DIGNITY AND VALUE

   Every person has a deep need to be heard, to be listen to.  The very act of listening communicates a sense of value, esteem, love and dignity. 

5. BE POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING (Philippians 4:8)

   Being positive promotes openness with your friends, whereas, criticism tends to hinder healthy communications. 

6. PRACTICE CONFIDENTIALITY

   If you are a gossip, you raise an immediate barrier to other sharing intimately with you, for fear that you will make their innermost feelings public. 

7. WAIT FOR THE RIGHT TIME (PROV.15:23)

In relationships we must be sensitive not only to the way we speak, but also to the timing. 

8. SHARE YOUR FEELINGS

   A vulnerability that allows you to share feelings, inner thoughts, deep hurts and great joys is essential to a healthy climate of intimacy and closeness. 

9. AVOID MIND READING

   Don’t take it for granted that the other person understands your gestures, the tone of your voice or your body language. 

10. BE HONEST (Ephesians 4:15)

      To speak the truth in love means to take into consideration the other person's feelings.  A truly skillful and loving friend is sensitive to the consequences of his/her words and actions.

 

                   QUESTIONS  

 1. Do most men find it hard to accept that they need the fellowship of other men? 

 2. What single ingredient do you most appreciate about love?  Can you explain why? 

 3. How can a man demonstrate love without appearing weak or feminine ? 

 4. Finish the sentence, "I LOVE ______”.  Why are those words so hard to say? 

 5. Is there someone you have become indifferent toward?  Do you feel free to acknowledge that to others so they can pray that your attitude and response might change? 

 6. Do you have a close meaningful relationship with one or more people?  

7. BEFORE LEAVING find someone in our group to thank for something he has done for you.  TRY TO EXPRESS to that person what he has meant to you.