Codependent
behavior not only fills us with resentment and anger due to disappointment
after disappointment, but it also puts undue expectations on our relationships,
which smother our friends, family, associates and neighbors.
It
makes us too needy, because we think that if we love others, they will want to
love us in return. We look to others for our fulfillment, acceptance, identity,
affection and provision; however, they are not humanly able to supply these
necessities.
As
long as we depend on people, we neglect, or even forsake our relationship with
God. This causes devastating effects on our spirit, soul and body. The remedy
for this predicament is to totally depend on God alone, as we appreciate what
others do for us.
The
Trinity fulfills our needs for satisfaction, approval, distinction,
individuality, love, cherishing and blessings in body, soul and spirit. As we
follow His plan for us, rather than trying to impress other people, our
thoughts, desires and plans are for Him alone.
Joy
and intimacy in relationships depend on our willingness to be humble,
vulnerable, open, honest, and obedient to the Lord's will. Yet, holding back
part of our true self for fear of rejection, causes us to miss the unity that
could be ours.
Satan
wants to destroy our connection with God and our significant others. We accept
His lies, and believe them as truth, because he whispers them over and over in
our mind. His goal is to steal our contentment, to kill our love for others,
and to destroy the unity in our relationships.
Covenants
in our affiliations prevent us from giving up or putting conditions on our
love. We do not operate out of fear of losing their good opinion of us, but out
of the joy of blessing each other every day of the week
(1 John 4:18).
Prayer:
Father
God, remind us to be honest with our self about what we need and who we are -
faults and all. Teach us the benefits of taking risks and opening our self up
to others. We want to make covenants with our friends, and workmates, as well
as our church and natural family - those love-based promises to one another
that do not rely on our feelings, but on our commitment to each other.
Help
us to focus on our unity with Your Trinity within us, rather than on our human
interactions. That way, Your eternal, abundant love and grace influences all of
our relationships. Remind us that sharing Your agape love with others can
influence their faith in You as well. We love You most, best, and always; and
we love others as we love our self (Mark 12:30-31).
Thought
for the Day:
Relationships
are rocky at best, due to two individuals attempting to meld our choices and
viewpoint, when we often disagree; if we focus less on our self and more on
God, we learn to believe in, rely on and trust in Him alone, and then we will
follow His will and guidance in our relationships.
