A bond implies strength.
That connection can be made in different ways. And, to create a stronger bond, sometimes it’s best to roughen one of the surfaces.
Have you thought about what you’ve been bonding with lately?
It’s worth considering what we are bonding to and why. Today, let’s think about how we are bonding with people – our spouse, our children, our friends, our fellow believers.
When two people are just going through life side by side, but not connected, there isn’t a strong bond. Bumps in the road can throw each other in different directions, rather than uniting in perseverance. Success for the one person might create jealousy in the other, rather than encouragement. Sadly, these issues can cause annoyance and might cause a fracture in the relationship.
When there is just an “I’m good, your good” exchange in a relationship there lacks a climate for growth. This growth could relate to character, skills, or matters of faith. Rather than keeping the status quo, a loving challenge can help bring out the best in each other. This healthy, relational friction – in the best sense of the word – helps us grow in ways that encourage what is good and true. As fellow believers we are to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11a NIV, letter E in Do LAPS! Volume 2).
This can be the case in accountability and mentoring situations. Family relationships fit both of these, especially husband to wife and parent to child.
As families who identify as followers of Christ, we should inspire each other to grow in godliness. This begins with our self. May we humbly pray to God, “Examine my heart and my mind” (Psalm 26:2b NIV, letter X in Do LAPS!). Then, may we choose to let the Holy Spirit work in us. Checking how our attitudes and desires align with God’s intentions for us will help us identify our need to confess fear and sin and replace those with God’s truth and grace.
As roughening a surface can create more places for glue to adhere, going deeper than surface level in relationships can create more opportunities for bonding. Encouraging thoughts and behaviors with hearts turned toward God strengthens faith, family, and friendships.
Uniting in love, let’s connect in ways that will impact eternity!
Find out how others are using the Heart Training books to strengthen their faith.