Building Godly Relationships: A Strong Foundation Supports What Is Built Upon It

By Lynn Cooper

How precious is a strong, enduring relationship built upon a firm foundation that never fades away!

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17, KJV).

Strong, vibrant relationships built upon the principles found in the Word of God bless those involved in them. Relationships must

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685568788

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Building Godly Relationships

Lynn Cooper

Trilogy Christian Publishers

Tustin, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Building Godly Relationships

Copyright © 2022 by Lynn Cooper

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 978-1-68556-877-1

E-ISBN: 978-1-68556-878-8 (ebook)

Contents

Preface v

Chapter 1. What is a Relationship? 1

Chapter 2. The Shepherd and His Sheep 6

Chapter 3. The Greatest Relationship 12

Chapter 4. The Blueprint for a Lasting Relationship 18

Chapter 5. Setting the Foundation 33

Chapter 6. Close Relationships 61

Chapter 7. Distant Relationships 80

Chapter 8. Sustaining a Godly Relationship 88

Chapter 9. The Joy of a Strong Relationship 93

Afterword 96

About the Author 97

Books by Author Lynn Cooper 100

Preface

The word relationship is defined as having a connection to something or someone. This book is written to help the reader have the tools required to establish and maintain strong relationships. A properly developed relationship will bless those involved in it and glorify God along the way. It is sad to see many individuals becoming involved in relationships that are abusive and destructive.

The title of this book starts out with the word building. A relationship is just that. It is something that must be carefully built-in accordance with the Word of God if it truly is strong enough to endure the test of time. I have relied heavily upon the Scriptures throughout this book, allowing you quick access to God’s Word concerning the subject being discussed. Your application of His Word to your life depends entirely upon you and will grant you success in your relationships should you take it to heart.

A relationship built upon a worldly foundation versus a spiritual one is destined to fail. We see it constantly unfolding in today’s world, with the divorce rate in America hovering around 50 percent. That means that one out of two marriage relationships ends in failure and heartache.

As in all building projects, detailed blueprints are essential and provide well-defined steps to be taken during construction that result in a strong, beautiful building that can withstand the storms coming against it and shelter those who flee to it for protection. This book is written as a blueprint for any individual wanting to build a godly relationship that will bless him or her along life’s pathway.

The Bible contains many examples of good and bad relationships. We will examine a few of these, asking ourselves, What made this one good, and what happened in this one resulting in failure? There are biblical patterns that reveal to us the answers to these two questions.

Our study will clearly show us the necessary building blocks of an enduring godly relationship. It must be sought out for the right reasons, planned in advance, built according to the plan, and then maintained over time. There are many who have suffered a failed relationship that has left them disillusioned and brokenhearted—I encourage you to rise and try again. Don’t give up on yourself or those around you who can truly enrich your days ahead. The sun always rises in the morning sky, and by God’s grace, you can arise from the pain and sorrow holding you in their grip.

The following poem is written by an unknown author and urges us to stand once again against the discouragement that tries its best to overwhelm us and keep us in a place of despondency. God bless you as you come on this journey that will prayerfully lift you up as you walk in the sweet fellowship of our heavenly Father, who loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

Wounded but Not Slain

I’m wounded now, but I’m not slain,

I’m bruised and faint they say,

Just let me lie and bleed a while,

I’ll not be long this way,

My spirit’s low, and my eyes flow,

My heart is sad and sore,

But when my pen’ent tears are gone,

I’ll stand and fight some more,

I’ll bind these wounds; I’ll dry these tears,

I’ll close this bleeding vein,

I’ll not lie here and weep and die,

I’ll rise and fight again,

’Twas yesterday, I bowed so low,

Was weak from tears and pain,

Today I’m strong, my fears are gone,

Today I fight again.

—Author unknown, 742 Heart Warming Poems,

compiled by John R. Rice, 1982

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace (Psalm 29:11).

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

This book is not intended to take the place of professional counseling. You are encouraged to work with your local church pastor or a professional counselor for ongoing relationship issues occurring in your life.

Chapter 1

What is a Relationship?

A relationship is making a connection with another individual or another group of individuals. There are different levels of attachment involved depending upon the nature of the relationship. For example, when entering into an intimate marriage relationship, we share experiences different from entering into