Relationships Rule

Mark 12:28–34 (NIV84)

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.

33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

1. First work on the vertical relationship, then the horizontal relationships will flourish

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)

In general, this principle states that 20% of people produce 80% while 80% produce 20%

In the church, 20% of church goers give 80% of the budget while 80% only give 20% of the total

In leadership, it is said to invest 80% of your time in the 20% of your followers and 20% of your time on the lower producing 80%

In relationships, at your best you will only meet 80% of your partners wants and needs and the other 20% you must produce yourself

In Christian relationships, the 20% comes from God

Hence, spend 80% of your time seeking after God (20% of relationship) and 20% of your time seeking after your spouse for your wants and needs

2. If you are all in, then you only see what is yours

Love with all of your heart—affections

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

The Greek word for ''heart'' is Kardia - The core or center of your life.

Luke 12:34 “34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Give your undivided attention

Give constant appreciation

Love with all your soul

The Greek word for ''soul'' is Psyche - the essence of life in terms of thinking, willing, and feeling; emotions, feelings, attitudes and will.

Don't be afraid to express Emotions

Don't run from Emotions

Don't rely on Emotions

Don’t let your feelings dictate your life

''All my mind'': INTELLECT

The Greek word for ''mind'' is Dianoia - Exercising the mind, to think through.

''All your strength'': ACTIONS

The Greek word for ''strength'' is Ischys - exceptional capability, with the probable implication of personal potential; combined focused, all out actions, might.

''love your neighbor as yourself.''

WHEREVER YOU ARE, CHOOSE TO BE ALL THERE

3. If you focus on your walk with God, then your personal relationships become more intimate

When you are woking on your relationship with God, you are closer to your spouse

The more time you spend with God the closer you get to your neighbor

The less time you spend with God the further you get from your neigbor