How can we nurture our relationships with family and friends through the difficult circumstance of chronic illness? Diane shares.
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
Relationships. Just the very word often brings up a multitude of feelings and emotions. Everyone, regardless of their health or circumstances, has had joys, conflicts, successes, and failures concerning their relationships with others. Often when we are ill or dealing with family members who are ill, relationships take a real beating.
Perhaps that’s why Paul encourages us to study and reflect Christ’s example in our lives. He expresses we are to look at others through Christ’s eyes; revealing examples of how we can walk in the “mindset” of Christ.
Considering others first, Philippians 2:6-7 tells us Christ chose not to use His deity or equality with the Father to His advantage. In modern terms, He didn’t use His position to belittle others or throw His weight around.
Showing Humility, He made Himself “nothing”, a ‘servant.” The King of Kings became a human being, and though He lived a completely sinless, holy life, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death– even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Yes, our goal for our attitudes in life and in our relationships is set high–much higher than we could ever hope to achieve in our own abilities. But we have an advantage, a bit of favoritism you might say. We, Christ’s adopted children and family, have the grace and forgiveness of our heavenly Father; plus, we have the wisdom and strength of His Holy Spirit to guide and mold us.
Thankfully, we are not asked to make the same sacrifice as our Savior Jesus (death on the cross) but we are asked to die to self, “not looking at your own interests but each of you the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
May we all choose, as Paul urged, to seek to maintain the “mindset” of Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Dear Father, how we thank You for the sacrifices You willingly made on our behalf. I pray that we will all continue to work through the challenges in our lives with the mindset that You have shown us. May we choose to be a loving example of who are to all those we meet and love. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in central Florida, she is blessed to have three grown children, and a wonderful husband who is also her caregiver in those difficult times of illness. She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with many digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art, writing. He desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God ordained opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
What do you find most challenging in your personal relationships? How has the Holy Spirit helped you to overcome your most difficult attitudes in your relationships, or your attitude in general?
Thanks for this Di – what a great example we have in how we should treat others, as we look to Jesus and His humility, obedience and care for others.
As you said, lots to live up to – but we are not doing it alone – thanks for your company on the journey, dear friend 🙂
Blessings,
Fiona
Fiona, I’m so very thankful God has granted me the joy of knowing you and how wonderful it’s been to grow wisdom and in obedience to our Lord with you!
Be blessed, Di
A great verse to use to help us in our relationships! Thanks Di 🙂
Relationships sure are sooooooo complex!!! Thank goodness we have “the grace and forgiveness of our heavenly Father; plus, we have the wisdom and strength of His Holy Spirit to guide and mold us.” There’s no way that I could do it on my own!! Just today I had a really complex issue in a family relationship to deal with. Only Jesus could get us through it! Praise God that He did….. again! God bless you Di. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, I agree so very glad we have Jesus in those times of confusion and frustration, esp when dealing with our family. Praying as we all encounter each situation we rely on Him completely, just as you do.
Hugs and blessings my friend. Di
I struggle with sadness, despair, disappointment and loneliness in my marriage. We both have our health struggles along with many hours away from each other. Finances are strained. The Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens me personally. we go to church together, I am in the word personally, my husband doesn’t take the time for this. I get strengthened, but see him struggling. I wish we could be more unified. I know everyone has to have their own personal relationship with God.? Any input on this would be appreciated
Dear Teresa
My heart goes out to you, as I can ” hear” the struggle and weariness as you fight the daily battle.
But I also hear the true love you have for your husband, the Lord; that you know that relationship you have with God is what gives you hope and strength.
You’re so right that everyone must have their own relationship personal relationship with Him, to know His forgiveness and love.
My encouragement for you is to continue in God’s word, and prayering for your husband. You said you attend church together, do you all have a Sunday school class or small group that y’all can attend together? Perhaps it would be a way to both study the word and spend time together sharing a common interest. If that’s not an option maybe do your own study at home together one night a week?
These are only suggestions, as I’m not in any way a councilor, I’m just an average person, like you, one who battles the day to day difficulties of illness and life’s circumstances, but like you, i trust my Savior; spend Time with Him and in His word, knowing He is there to help me through each day. I know He does the same for all His children.
I am praying for you and want you to know I care; but more importantly, God cares and loves you too, so hold onto His promises my friend.
Gen. 28:15 ‘ “I am wth you and will watch over you wherever you go…..I will never leave you”.
(My other recommendation is to seek advice from trusted pastor at your church, who might give further suggestions.)
I hope I was some encouragement for you today.
May God’s peace, grace and hope truly be with you
Hugs, Di