5 contrasts between healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships

1. Sacrifice vs. Demand for Sacrifice - I think it is pretty natural to find ourselves demanding sacrifices from our partner over sacrifices ourselves. It is easy to love the other when things are easy or self serving but it is another thing to surrender your preference or privilege. I believe nothing strengthens a relationship more than well intentioned sacrifice.
" Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." -Ephesians 5:1-2


2. Forgiveness vs. Resentment - I remember learning that forgiving is a gift to yourself. I feel like in order for a relationship to flourish it requires that we have to be willing to forgive past hurts and disappointments. Carrying around those past hurts is toxic to a relationship.
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." -Matthew 6:14

3. Security vs. Fear  - Some relationships are based on using the partner to satisfy their security. I think healthy relationships shift to trying to meet the security need of their partner. When you are secure in yourself than you are able to focus on meeting the needs of your partner and not our own.
" There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" -1 John 4:18

4. Vulnerability vs. Defensiveness - Just watch this:

http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

5. Honesty vs. Deception - There is simply no substitute for good old fashioned honesty and transparency. It is hard and scary as all get out at times, but so crucial to a thriving relationship. Keeping this in darkness fosters things like additions.

The 5 parts to Pope Francis' five finger prayer.

1. The THUMB is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a "sweet obligation."

2. The next finger is the INDEX. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others.

3. The following finger is the MIDDLE finger, which is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors, and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is the RING finger. Even that it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick, or those plagued by problems.

5. And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your PINKIE should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective.