Primary Food: Relationships

One of the greatest gifts In life.

In the article posted from the Indiana University of Health, It addresses the importance of relationships and our health. “While personal relationships have a significant impact on our life, we often don’t think about the influence they have on our health. Studies show that people involved in positive relationships with family and friends tend to be happier and live longer than people who are isolated.”

Whether in a romantic relationship or friendship, these relationships are a source of food that are either nourishing your or they’re not. Proverbs 27:9 - Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Throughout the Bible, there’s a solid emphasis on the beauty of relationships. Jesus’ and his disciples, Paul and Timothy, David and Jonathon, and so much more. These were friendships that served together and ministered together through thick and thin.

As we explore methods to oversee and enhance individual health, it’s valuable to ponder the impact of our relationships on both our physical well-being and emotional stability. Being among individuals who prioritize healthy eating and regular exercise tends to influence our own behaviors positively. Conversely, relationships can also yield adverse outcomes. Although each circumstance varies, there are health issues that can be shaped by familial and social connections.

Depression:

Though this condition arises from various factors, the presence of tumultuous relationships within family circles and among intimate friends can significantly contribute to depression. Regularly experiencing adverse interactions with partners and children can induce mood fluctuations and emotional strain, potentially impacting one's physical health over an extended period. Ask yourself, are their relationships in your life that you know are resulting in self-worth and depression? People who see your fail as their success? Ask the Lord to guide you in these relationships and teach you how to set Godly boundaries.

Alcohol and drug use:

Once more, individuals are more inclined to adopt detrimental habits like excessive drinking or substance use when they spend time with others who partake in similar behaviors. While this pattern can manifest at any phase of life, it tends to be more prevalent among teenagers and young adults.

The initial stride toward initiating beneficial changes involves recognizing and acknowledging when a relationship adversely impacts one's health and overall well-being. Seeking guidance from a primary care provider proves beneficial in exploring potential solutions, which might involve counseling referrals or connections to community resources and support groups. Combatting isolation can involve engaging in volunteer work or joining social groups, both are effective ways to expand your social circle. Given the significance of relationships in life, prioritizing and nurturing those that bring the most fulfillment remains crucial.

Quality of Life:

Have you ever spent a day with someone and by the end, felt deeply fulfilled and rejuvenated? Conversely, perhaps you've experienced feeling drained, unworthy, or insecure. These situations are common, yet some of us struggle to establish boundaries with those in our lives who bring us harm. Relationships extend far beyond mere connections; they profoundly affect our emotional well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life.

Jesus urged us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). However, this doesn't imply continuously surrounding ourselves with individuals who cause us harm. Despite Jesus dining with sinners and loving those who hurt him, he also demonstrated boundaries. Loving our neighbors and praying for those who hurt us doesn't equate to granting them unrestricted access to our hearts.

Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life." This emphasizes the paramount importance of protecting our hearts. Guarding your heart differs from building walls; while walls keep everyone out, they also hinder our ability to love others wholeheartedly. Think of guarding your heart as bowling alley bumpers, preventing the ball from falling into the gutter while still allowing it to reach its destination.

Is there a relationship or friendship that you need to surrender to the Lord for care? Where do you feel the need to guard your heart?