Christ Centered Relationships

Week 28
It seems that spring has sprung here at the Ranch.
Flowers are everywhere, the sun is shining, and outdoor education groups are back!
I was listening to a Francis Chan sermon about Christ centered relationships. Most of the message was directed towards married couples, but I think that so much of what he said could and should apply in our communities, with our friends, and in our families.
Sometimes when we live closely with people we get hurt, and we hurt each other.
This is going to happen.
But a Christ centered person is not made or broken by their relationships here on earth. We often put too much hope in each other when Christ should be our hope.
Our focus should never be solely on each other.
Our focus should never be on ourselves. "I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:35).
Jesus' love for us is not selfish. He did not focus on what He thought He deserved or what his "rights" were. And because of that, we may know the greatest love of all time.
There is no room for being high maintenance in our relationships.
God gave us friends and relationships to learn, grow, encourage, and share together. To live life and give life. Not to step on each other, demand from each other, and set expectations for each other. We should not be taking life from one another, but instead growing life in these relationships and in turn, giving life and spreading love to others.
Our real mission in this life is to show the love of Christ.
Our relationships can do that beautifully.
If our hearts are centered on Christ above all else.
Above all.