1:20 min read |

How do you build a strong, healthy relationship with someone?

Every relationship has it’s challenges. To make relationships work, we must do the work. A significant ingredient in relationship success is the ratio between words and actions that build up and encourage versus those that tear down and discourage.

Research has proven that, for every negative, destructive statement or action in a relationship there must be five positives to counteract them. To make relationships work well we must deposit 5 times the amount of positives in the emotional accounts of people!

Suddenly our relationship problems make sense. More often than not, the ratio is reversed. There are 5 negatives for every positive, and we wonder why things aren’t going so well.

The wisdom of God’s Word becomes clear in the light of this research. In Ephesians 4:31, 32 (NLT) we find these instructions, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Are you building up others or tearing them down? Get busy generously pouring out positive, kind, and caring words and actions to others. Reverse the ratio in your relationships and watch great things happen!

Pastor Dale