Building A Better Relationships

At the base of every solid structure is a firm foundation.Any structure, group, organization, or relationship has to be built on a solid foundation in order to survive. It doesn't matter how much time you spend strengthening the 'above ground ' structure, if you fail to lay a solid foundation. One of my favorite
Bible verses was written by King David:
Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who builds it.
Foundations are designed to withstand and transfer; weight, downward pressure, and stress from the structure. Foundations when designed and installed properly will transfer the destructive forces that can destroy structures into the surrounding soil and other areas than will reduce or eliminate the possibility of catastrophe. Proper foundations are the first step to building better relationships. Let's look at four additional ways to build better relationships.
Compassion, Caring, Consideration, Kindness...
Compassion can be described as caring to the point of empathy. Considering the feelings of those we are in relationships with to the point of feeling the things they face. Patiently enduring trying and difficult situations with those closest to you can take a toll on endurance if you fail to practice the art of compassion.
1 Corinthians 13... Love hopes, believes, endures all things; Love never fails
Caring and looking out for your own personal interests can strengthen a relationship or erode and diminish it to a heap of ashes if neglected. Caring is something that must be deliberately thought about and practiced; especially if everyone is busy and moving at a fast stressful pace. A simple kind thought, gesture or word can go along way to penetrate the dark places of loneliness, anger, and fear.
It's a challenge to be caring, considerate, kind to those you are around all of the time, especially when some are angry, mean spirited and down right hateful!
Consideration - in my opinion one of the best ways to define and characterize consideration for others:
Philippians 2:4 - Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Finally, but not least in importance Kindness. Kindness is not a synonym for enabling or excusing wrong behaviors, it is though synonymous for 'love in action. Kindness can be displayed in both great and small acts of genuine love, and concern for others; especially those you are in relationship with.
Again, a Scripture reference says it best:
John 15:33 - Greater Love has no man than this, that one lay down his life for his friends
Foundations, Compassion, Caring, Consideration, and Kindness. It's never too late to start, but if you wait too late, it may be too late to finish.