How Do Relationships Test Your Character Strengths?

Pivotal events are not reserved for just an unexpected moment. Certainly Jesus would be a pivotal event for Mary and Joseph. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he was ready to walk away, but an angel assured him Jesus would be a pivotal event for the entire world.

Pivotal events may appear overwhelming. Initially, Joseph expected to be married, have children and lead a normal life, but then his dreams appeared to be in jeopardy because what he faced could not be denied. Joseph was presented with a choice that would test his strength of character and his faith in God. 

Joseph’s dream presented a pivotal turning point because he realized God would use him in a way that could never be surpassed. Reassurance from God at a pivotal moment is available to those who seek it with humility and thanksgiving. So praise God and thank him for his provisions of faith and trust to see you through what seems impossible. 

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

~1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 New International Version

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What Draws Families Closer to Each Other?

Compatibility within a family would seem to be a given because of genetics and shared experiences while growing up with each other. Kinship does make a difference but doesn’t guarantee compatibility or friendship. A mother and daughter or a father and son may not be of the same temperament or personality.

Compatibility may be difficult especially during childhood and adolescence yet may become easier as each person matures. For some families, compatibility is difficult because of diversity in ideas and personal objectives.

Family gatherings can be a time of exploring possibilities of long-range goals for family members. 

Agree to put aside differences that cause hurt feelings and conflict. Let Psalm 25:4 guide you. “Teach me your ways O Lord; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to your truth for you are my God who saves me.” Why not be open to that possibility?          

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Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way … Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

~1 Corinthians 13:4-5,7 Revised Standard Version

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What Is the Purpose of Confronting Suspicion?

Suspicion arises when there are misgivings about another person’s intentions or a situation that is questionable. Suspicion is a primitive instinct necessary for survival in a world without protection from predators. If suspicions were ignored, there might not be a second chance to consider one’s options.

It’s not that a person should become paranoid and permit fear and anxiety to dominate their lives, for then peace would no longer be possible. Suspicion does have positive attributes. For instance, if a teenager’s grades drop and irritability takes the place of patience, then this could be a warning that an unacceptable change has taken place.

Suspicion must be confronted, not with anger and rage, but with evidence, which takes patience and faith. 

Truth and faithfulness are the foundation blocks for all relationships including our relationship with God. Truth and faithfulness are attributes of God which he instills in us to defeat suspicion.  

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Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  

~1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New Living Translation

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.