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nterpersonal relationships are the sixth
guiding principle of living CREATION
Healthy. Do you value kind words from a
close friend? How about a wholehearted
hug in hard times? We encounter many of life’s greatest joys
while sharing hopes and dreams, hurts and hugs, with fam-
ily and friends. Yet some of these relationships can also be
our greatest challenges. People are wonderful—but people
also can be terrible.
That’s where God can step in with his box of relation-
ship tools. The tools God uses with us—such as grace, love,
truth and time—are the same tools we can use with others.
These tools are proven to grow, nurture and even repair
relationships. They are designed to help us become healthy
humans and compassionate friends.
Relationships are God’s No. 1 priority
He didn’t create this world just so we could have correct
information about him (as important as that is). And he
didn’t send his Son to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ
because our behavior was something to be proud of. Just
the opposite! The mystery the Bible reveals is that God is
love, and love has no recourse but to give love. Parents have
children because they want to give their overabundance of
love away, and God created humans for the same reason. It
is his nature to love, and humans created in his image are
the recipients of this great and wonderful love.
That’s why God is concerned—and has so much to
say—about relationships: They are important to our overall
health and well-being.
Social connections
What do we mean by “social connection” or “social con-
nectedness”? In the broadest sense, it means interacting
with other people, such as friends or relatives.
These connections will not be the same in every respect
for any two people, although ideally these connections
should generate a similar sense of openness, generosity and
goodwill. Although they take work, good relationships are
one of our greatest blessings.
Is there anyone who really cares for you, or feels close to
you, or loves you or wants to help you? Is there someone
you can confide in? If so, then according to some studies,
you may have three to five times lower risk of premature
death and disease from all causes than people who don’t
have these kinds of relationships.
Success steps
Here are six steps to ensure your interpersonal relationship
success:
Family.
Learn about your family history and prepare
a photo storybook of your heritage. Create a family night
once a week or once a month when everyone gets together
for dinner or something else fun. Best of all, spend personal
time with each family member this week.
Friends.
Nurture quality friendships. Step outside of
your comfort zone and dedicate special time for others. This
will usually revolve around food, walks, games and sports,
with the end result being conversations about everything.
Neighbors.
Be attentive and friendly to those who live
near you. If you have elderly neighbors, offer to chauffeur
them to the grocery store. Welcome new families with pies,
breads or flowers. Offer to mow and edge their lawns while
your neighbors are on vacation.
Organizations.
Join a local organization in which you
can share your skills and develop new friendships. Become a
Big Brother or Big Sister. Help build a Habitat for Human-
ity home. Read to kids at the library. Coach soccer or Little
League.
Church.
A church family can easily become the core
of your personal support system. Do more than attend—
choose to become involved with a service ministry offered
at your church that fits where your heart and skills are.
Helping others is one of the best ways to boost your health.
Work.
Don’t neglect the valuable relationships with
your co-workers. Learn about them, their families and their
hopes. In the process, your work may even become easier!
Your family’s health
Interpersonal Relationships
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THE SIXTH GUIDING PRINCIPLE:
