Recap of 10/1/10 Meeting

We discussed the OT minor prophet, Amos, and the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (see last post). Then we discussed Love2.0: What is needed for a successful relationship and marriage. Lasting love - whether friends, family, or marriage, needs the 4th Love - Agape:

So, what is relationship? Like love, it’s all over the map. At its starting point, it is just a connection between people. It can be good, bad, loving, abusive, and everywhere between. As a general rule, bad ones are self-centered; good ones are other-centered.

1. Good relationships begin with attention. Attention can be hard because it requires us to put our current thoughts on hold and give minds/selves to the other. It does not come automatically. What comes automatically is to multi-task your attention, which is essentially a myth (pretending). Some say they can determine the success or failure of relationships by this alone. And that would be true, since it is step on in building a love-foundation.

2. After attention comes empathy for what the other is communicating. Not only understanding in the sense of “walking in the other’s shoes,” but each doing their part to stay mutually interested in what the other is doing;

3. Third is action, the opposite of sloth. Be active in the relationship, do things for the other.

4. Fourth is humility, which means being willing to be wrong. Be willing to apologize.

5. Lastly, successful relationships are never 50-50. In 50-50 relationships, happiness and commitment always slip away right through the middle, while both parties argue about responsibility. They need to be 100-100-100. Each side should shoot for taking 100% responsibility for the success of the relationship. If God and prayer are retained in the relationship, then you have God’s 100% guarantee to help both of you through anything.

Next week: Genesis: 16-19 (Ismael to S&G); Luke 17: 5-10 (faith); Love3.0 – What is love of self, and how do we love God?