Counsels on Relationships
Counsel #23 — Meet Halfway
Picture: Counsel #23 — Meet Halfway CR 25.1
Nobody likes to feel used. It’s pretty easy to tell if someone is only reaching out because they need something, whether it’s homework help, a favor, or someone to tag along so they don’t look lonely. Sure, everyone needs help sometimes, but if a friendship is one-sided, it’s not really a friendship. CR 25.2
When you use people, they end up feeling unimportant and undervalued. Eventually, they’ll stop showing up, leaving you without a genuine connection. Imagine how you’d feel if someone only talked to you when it benefited them, but never picked up the phone when you needed a listening ear. Not great, right? True friendship is a balance of give and take. It’s about supporting one another, celebrating each other’s wins, and being there when life gets tough - that’s what makes a relationship meaningful. Spiritually, God calls us to treat others with kindness and sincerity. At the end of the day, meaningful relationships only grow when both people are willing to give and receive, rather than one always taking while the other keeps giving.16 CR 25.3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” Philippians 2:3 NIV CR 25.4
“A strong, helpful grasp of the hand of a true friend is worth more than gold and silver.” Ellen White in Christian Service, p. 189 CR 25.5
Reflect: Are all your friendships 50/50 in terms of effort and support, or are some more 80/20? CR 25.6