There is a cost to a relationally rich life!

We all have ups and downs in every area of our life, but the one that causes us the greatest pain is our relationships. The reason is, that our whole being is invested in a relationship! So all parts of us hurt, not just a single part, when relationships experience brokenness. In the same way, that's why they bring the richness of life!

The key is to stay in the game of building relational richness, even though there are times of pain! So how do I grow greater richness into my existing relationships or increase their number?

Let me introduce you to one of the most challenging portions of Scripture to be found, but it is the formula for relational richness in depth and number.

“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

Philippians 2:1-5 NLT

Imagine all of the different relationship components of our lives, (Marriage, family, Church, friendship) all embracing the relational math of this scripture. Try and spot one key word in that scripture that you could move forward with today.

Key Words:

• Encouragement
• Comfort
• Fellowship
• Tender
• Compassionate
• Agreeing
• Loving
• Working together
• Selfish
• Impress
• Humble
• Others better than yourselves
• Your own interest
• Take an interest
• You must

When we look at this list of key words, it could appear very daunting and nothing but a lot of work! I have found that if I focus on advancing one, I advance all.

So choose one and make it the greatest opportunity to return, to your family, your friends, your marriage, your brothers and sisters in Jesus, a richness of relationship that pays off in spades!