This last time I read through these lyrics it occurred to me that perhaps these songs are popular because we like thinking we have this magic attraction on others that drives them a bit crazy.
If you pin all your hopes and dreams on messy people you will always be disappointed. Healthy relationships that mature and last need to be other centered, and at least a little sacrificial. And, of course we relate to others better the the deeper our security is anchored in Christ.
“Healthy relationships that mature and last need to be other centered, and at least a little sacrificial.”
The way I see it, which it is just my personal opinion, is that relationships of all kinds are focused on others because that’s what defines the term “relationship,” but healthy ones are not centered on them. Often good people are walked on by not-so-good people because they believe it is good to be selfless.
It’s good not to be SELFISH, but SELFLESSNESS, not taking into account our own needs, can eventually lead to resentment.
Now I know the next part is a minority opinion, but one I think you and I happen to agree on.
The most critical of all relationships is between ourselves and God. It is higher than my allegiance to myself and everyone else. This is because God is the source of both life and love, so I need him to meet my needs and also give me the love I am called to share with others.
And true love, as far as I can tell, always has an element of sacrifice and is most fulfilling all at the same time (which I find difficult to comprehend).
I totally agree relationships are always focused on others. To me the problem occurs when the “other focus “ is strictly on what one gets from rather than what one puts into a relationship.; and total selflessness in adult relationships is not healthy either.
And, yes, our relationship with God is paramount. As you said He is the source of life and love. The more we understand His love for us the better we can love others. As the saying goes, a chord of three strands is stronger than two, especially when God is the third strand.
Very sound reasoning Nancy. Thanks. I will continue to reflect on this topic and you keep holding me to the fire and those of you reading this jump on in and give us your opinions as well. This is how we all grow together in maturity.
This last time I read through these lyrics it occurred to me that perhaps these songs are popular because we like thinking we have this magic attraction on others that drives them a bit crazy.
If you pin all your hopes and dreams on messy people you will always be disappointed. Healthy relationships that mature and last need to be other centered, and at least a little sacrificial. And, of course we relate to others better the the deeper our security is anchored in Christ.
“Healthy relationships that mature and last need to be other centered, and at least a little sacrificial.”
The way I see it, which it is just my personal opinion, is that relationships of all kinds are focused on others because that’s what defines the term “relationship,” but healthy ones are not centered on them. Often good people are walked on by not-so-good people because they believe it is good to be selfless.
It’s good not to be SELFISH, but SELFLESSNESS, not taking into account our own needs, can eventually lead to resentment.
Now I know the next part is a minority opinion, but one I think you and I happen to agree on.
The most critical of all relationships is between ourselves and God. It is higher than my allegiance to myself and everyone else. This is because God is the source of both life and love, so I need him to meet my needs and also give me the love I am called to share with others.
And true love, as far as I can tell, always has an element of sacrifice and is most fulfilling all at the same time (which I find difficult to comprehend).
I totally agree relationships are always focused on others. To me the problem occurs when the “other focus “ is strictly on what one gets from rather than what one puts into a relationship.; and total selflessness in adult relationships is not healthy either.
And, yes, our relationship with God is paramount. As you said He is the source of life and love. The more we understand His love for us the better we can love others. As the saying goes, a chord of three strands is stronger than two, especially when God is the third strand.
Very sound reasoning Nancy. Thanks. I will continue to reflect on this topic and you keep holding me to the fire and those of you reading this jump on in and give us your opinions as well. This is how we all grow together in maturity.