by Jennifer Goodson
Relationships come and go . . .
We’ve heard this said so many times and there is truth in it. However, how many of those relationships were ended because our flesh was offended in a way that brought in a wall of unforgiveness? Being a human is tough enough, being a woman seems to be even more so. Nevertheless, for God to ask us to walk in love towards another person who has wronged us . . .

How many questions have we listed on our ‘secret notepad’ to ask God in heaven?
We toss relationships so easily in a minimal way in the words of ‘what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’? To be honest, strength is a good God characteristic; but when not balanced with the love of God we lose our gentleness towards others killing our reflection of Christ. The question then rises . . . How tough do we want to be; tough enough that we miss God’s leading in areas that exemplify His love.

Yes, there are those relationships God does direct us to end because they are unhealthy. Then there are those relationships that we need strong Godly boundaries in order that God’s hand can be in the midst. However, how many relationships did we deny, shove out of the way, cut off with a sliver blade in the name of God when in fact it was our offense, our fear, our past hurts that caused us to walk away and in some cases run.

There is a fine line in knowing
which relationships are God given gifts;
which ones are God assignments;
which ones are God given to strengthen us.

As women, we tend to run our lives by emotions if we are not living in the spirit of God. This causes us to compare, judge, accuse, and make assumptions of others. Why do we do this . . . because we are a vessel that lives in a spiritual and natural world that ultimately is directed orchestrated by our choices – our responses.

When we are living in the spirit, (our goal), we make Godly choices producing Godly responses that lead to Godly relationships. Likewise, when we are living out of our flesh, (our emotions), we allow our choices and responses to lead us into areas of fear and doubt which in turn opens the door for offense. In some cases leading us to isolation or areas of control and manipulation.

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