Introduction: Everybody is busy these days. Someone has described our generation as a generation of “hurry, worry, and bury”! Yet, in order to build meaningful relationships, not only does it take intentional planning, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.

 

So here are some biblical guidelines for making it happen.

 

 

Taking time for what is important is extremely worthy. Let’s face it. There are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, we must prioritize our relationships with the time that is allotted. How are you doing with your time? Do you need to rearrange some things in your life?

 

2. Removing distractions when talking; i.e. cell phone! (Col 4:6) – “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Distractions are on the rise! It seems like living in this world, we are bombarded daily with INFORMATION OVERLOAD! Between being flooded with text messages, social media, and other responsibilities, it is hard to “KEEP UP”! No wonder we feel separated!! What can we do? Let some of the less important things go! Be decisive. You will be glad in the long run.

 

3. Listening intently! (James 1:19) – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Again, due to the mental distresses, emotional digressions, and relational divisions, it becomes very challenging to stay focused while others are talking. Are you finding this to be the case with you? What can you do? Take out the trash!

 

4. Engaging with the other’s interest! (Heb 3:13) – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Putting ourselves to the side while communicating with others will certainly help communicating with others. Furthermore, working deliberately to enhance your relationships will usually result in better connections. In other words, negativity breeds negativity. Are you a negative person?

 

5. Leaving with a heartfelt connection! (Prov 12:25) – “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

Building “good relationships” takes a lot of work. Plus, it calls for much prayer. Are you praying about your relationships? Start with Jesus. Then move on to others.

 

Conclusion: Building meaningful relationships does not happen overnight. Instead, it takes setting priorities, being intentional, showing interest, prayerful meditation, and executing the biblical approach as the Spirit of God leads. And ultimately, that means spending quality time.

 

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese