Nourishing Your Relationships

Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

Insight

Life is a grand adventure, filled with twists and turns, but the relationships we build are the heart of it all. But here's the thing: these relationships are not always convenient. No, they often entail a cost – a cost that's worth every penny, every ounce of effort.

In Galatians 5:22, we're reminded of something beautiful – the fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the qualities that we strive for in our relationships, the qualities that make life truly rich and meaningful. But here's the kicker: these fruits don't just magically appear in our lives. They require nurturing, cultivating, and, yes, often sacrificing.

Love isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it's a choice we make every day to put someone else's needs before our own. Joy isn't a fleeting emotion; it's a deep-seated sense of contentment from knowing we're walking in step with our Creator. Peace isn't the absence of conflict; it's the presence of a calm and steady heart, even amid life's storms.

And what about patience? It's like the slow and steady stream that erodes away the rough edges of a stone, shaping us into more compassionate and understanding individuals. Kindness, goodness, and gentleness are the building blocks of trust and intimacy. They require us to extend grace and mercy, even when inconvenient.

Faithfulness is the glue that holds it all together. It's the commitment to stand by someone's side through thick and thin, to be a rock when they need one. And self-control? Well, that's the discipline to put others first, to rein in our impulses and desires for the sake of our relationships.

Now, let's turn to Psalm 1:3, which paints a beautiful picture of the one who meditates on God's law. It says they are like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season. What a powerful image! You see, just like that tree, our relationships need nourishment. They need the constant flow of love, grace, and selflessness to thrive.

But here's the thing – planting a tree by a stream isn't a one-time effort. It's an ongoing commitment. It requires tending, pruning, and sometimes sacrificing a branch that's no longer bearing fruit. In the same way, nourishing our relationships requires ongoing investment. It means showing up, even when we're tired. It means forgiving, even when it hurts. It means listening, even when we'd rather speak.

Contributing to the growth of our relationships isn't always convenient. It often entails a cost – a cost of time, of energy, of our desires. But in the end, what we gain is far greater than what we give up. We nourish and strengthen meaningful connections with the people who matter most to us. We gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can only come from loving and serving others.

So, as you go about your day, I want to encourage you to embrace the cost of nourishing relationships. Choose love over convenience, joy over complacency, and patience over frustration. 

Reflection

• Can you recall a time when you had to sacrifice or invest significant effort in a relationship? What were the challenges you faced, and what were that investment's rewards or positive outcomes?

• Consider the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these qualities do you believe is the most challenging for you to cultivate in your relationships? How might you actively work on nurturing that aspect in your interactions with others?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us find the strength to choose love, joy, and patience over convenience and invest in the growth of our connections with others. May we be like the tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruits of the Spirit in our interactions, and may our efforts lead to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.