Philippians 2:3. Many people seek competitive relationships where they challenge each other to do better. This can be a good thing for a good purpose. The problem is when a competitive relationship does not have a good and common purpose. This causes strife, and strife causes a bad relationship. Many times strife starts off with a simple pat or tease, but then turns into a slap or insult. Here the relationship is more driven by each other’s personal egos and selfishness versus a relationship with a good and common purpose. Just because a relationship or activity causes you a thrill or makes you fell alive, does not make it a good relationship (Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”).

PHILIPPIANS 2 BIBLE SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Ephesians 4:32. Another thing that causes a bad relationship is unforgiveness. Unforgiveness brings strife into a relationship. If we think someone has done us wrong, our natural tendency is to become bitter, angry, talk about, and even desire to hurt the other person. From a Christian perspective, the problem is not that the other person did you wrong, it is our unforgiveness. We need to show compassion for others, not unforgiveness. If someone is always doing bad things to us, we need to forgive them. We need to show compassion toward them because if they continue with their ungodly actions they will end up in Hell as their actions show no relationship with God. We need to show love and forgiveness as God loved us first and has forgiven us. Loving others that do not love us is true Christian ministry that bring us and others closer to God (Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you”).

EPHESIANS 4 BIBLE SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Colossians 3:9. Lying and keeping secrets from one another are causes for a bad relationship. When we lie or keep secrets from one another this causes strife. Little lies and secrets may seem to spice up a marriage or relationship, but over time anger, bad feelings, and strife develops. As Christians we are charged with spreading God’s truth at all times. Little lies and secrets may expedite short-term purposes or bring excitement into a relationship, but they do not promote God’s truth. We are a new man in the image of God, not an old man full of untruthfulness and lies (Colossians 3:9, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”).

BIBLE SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:9, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”