Ecclesiastes 4verse9 ‘Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour.’ 

A relationship is a powerful blessing from God. God himself is a relationship-minded God and so also are we. God made us for Relationships. That’s why you see what kind of power is made available in positive relationships, as you can see in our text scripture (Ecclesiastes 4 verse 9). There is an awesome power that the right kind of relationship makes available to you and you need this power in your life if you will actualize your destiny. However, to annex this power, you need to know that relationships have Dos and Don’ts. When I talk of relationships here, I am talking about marital, courtship and dating kinds of relationships. This simply means that in this kind of relationship, there are rules that guide and govern this kind of relationship. When you abide by these rules, you get blessed, but when you violate them, you suffer disappointments and hurt yourself in the process. This is why you need to know these rules because it will help you succeed in your relational life. These rules shall form the basis of our discussion and so without much ado, let’s examine these principles right away. 

THE RULES OF RELATIONSHIPS: 

1. You don’t cheat on your partner, i.e. for whatever reason or purpose. This is one of the major rules of relationships that you need to abide by otherwise, you won’t be successful in your relationships. This also means that you are to be faithful to one another (Heb.13v4). Things like double dating or sleeping around will destroy your relationship. So as a matter of policy, you need to stay away from such things. 

2. Be truthful and sincere with one another. This is a very important principle in any meaningful relationship. You cannot go far in any relationship that is filled with lies, deceit, or hypocrisy. Trust is the foundation of any meaningful Relationship. So make up your mind to be sincere and transparent in your dealings and interactions with your partner. This is one of the major pillars of any relationship. So make this your policy too (Eph.4v15). 

3. Never take advantage of your partner. Don’t be a leech or sucker. Avoid using or dumping your partner. Make sure you have genuine reasons for being with your partner. Be there to support and assist that person and not to take undue advantage of them. And if you truly love them, you won’t take advantage of them. 

4. Relationships are for the mature. They are not for babies or boys or girls. So how mature are you? In order to succeed in any relationship, you need to be: 

– Matured Spiritually. 

– Matured Physically. 

– Matured Emotionally. 

– Matured Mentally. 

– Matured Socially. 

– Matured Financially. 

I have discovered that to succeed in your Marriage or Courtship, you need to be mature to some extent (Jug.14v3, 19-20). So dear brothers and sisters, it’s time to grow up to be able to handle relationship matters very well. 

5. Let your Motives or Intentions be Clear and Right. This is another important principle in any kind of relationship. Why do you want to be engaged or married? What is your Motive? Is it because everyone is getting married or doing it? Or is it because you want to settle down and raise a godly family and generation (Pro.16v2). The answers you give to these questions will tell to a great extent if you will succeed in your relationship life or not. 

My dear reader, I believe you can see from some of the rules we have examined today why it’s so important to understand the dynamics of relationships because this is crucial to your success in life. I pray that these principles will empower your relationship life in Jesus name, amen. 

Other Scriptural References: (Gen.29v10-11, 18-20; Col.3v9; Pro.12v19: 5v18-20). 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me to live by the truths of a meaningful relationship in Jesus name, amen. 

CONFESSION: Lord, help me to live by the Dos and Don’ts of a meaningful relationship. I am ready to learn and master the laws or principles behind a successful relationship. As I walk diligently with you and your word, help me to be a shining example of what a relationship should look like in Jesus name, amen.