*This is part two of the article published in the previous post.
6) Admit wrongs and forgive quickly.
Taking responsibility for your actions is core to healthy and productive relationships.
If you make a mistake, own it. If you treat someone poorly, ask forgiveness. Getting defensive or bowing up never makes a relationship better. You might be right, but if you need to win, you’ll lose in the long run.
When you are wronged, forgive quickly. You’ll live with less stress and enjoy life more fully.
7) Always give more than you take.
There may be a few people in your life that you think it’s impossible to out give them. I understand that. John would be one of those people in my life. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t purpose to be generous anyway.
And with the majority of people, you will ever know, you can set your sights to give more than you take. However, this is not about a scorecard. If you keep track, you’ve missed the point. It’s a heart level thing. It’s a way of living, and when your motives are pure, it will bring you great joy.
8) Add value to people.
You can add value to people in simple ways and big ways. Adding value is no more complex than the idea of how you contribute to their life, so their life is better.
It can be as simple as a kind and encouraging word, and it can be as involved as a lifetime of mentoring. Sometimes it involves enough love and courage to have a tough and honest conversation.
The greatest value you can add to anyone is the message of Jesus Christ. The gift of eternal life is the greatest and highest value you can bring to someone.
9) You can never encourage anyone too much.
We both know the answer, but let me ask anyway. Have you ever been encouraged too much by someone? Of course not.
Encouragement is the emotional fuel that enables people to hold longer, reach farther and dig deeper than previously believed possible.
Whether it’s your kids, an employee, volunteers at the church, a co-worker or your neighbor, take the time to give frequent and sincere encouragement. Your leadership will rise because of it.
10) Trust is the lifeblood of all relationships.
When it comes to a relationship, trust is like a promise. And you should never break a promise.
In fact, that’s the essence of trust. People are counting on you to keep your promises. This reflects your character and ultimately who you are.
No reasonable person expects perfection, but they do expect honesty, kindness and doing what you say you’ll do.
This article was originally published at: Danreiland.com
