I've been thinking a lot about relationships lately. We are supposed to treat others like our brothers and sisters. We should want the best for them and make sacrifices focused on their good rather than our own. Sure there are people who will try to selfishly take advantage of actions along those lines. Still we are to persevere. I don't believe that means becoming a doormat. Sometimes someone's best interest may result in non-action on our parts, but maybe rather exhortation. It is so hard to know what is best for others. We certainly can see characteristics in others that we would like to see. These characteristics may even be like the Bible based (fruit of the spirit)- none of those are bad, and they are something to strive for.

Along the lines of the above it is easy to lose sight of something very important. The person's spirit or soul. Too often we want to measure a person by the world's standard for success. Are they fit? are they financially secure, do they have enough food? Having these things and sharing with those who don't have them is important, it is a sign of truly caring about their interests, truly treating them like a sister or brother. But it is easy to get caught up in a worldly standard, and lose sight of the person's spirit.

For instance somebody does something you find annoying, what is your response. Talk about them behind their back? Furthermore this action you realize is something they have no interest in changing, now what? You avoid the situation, and being a victim yet again. That may be the proper response but in talking about them behind their back, and avoiding them are you treating them like a brother or sister? If your brother or sister did or does something annoying would you tell them? Would you talk about them behind their back? You may avoid them depending on age, if you can, but if your circumstances are such that avoidance is not possible, you would probably let that person know over and over.

Would their refusal to change hurt you? Yet they would be your brother or sister, and you would want success for them. Would your actions toward a natural brother or sister (even ones that hurt you) be those that hold out hope that they would stop hurting you? Would they be actions that would show a desire for that person's success even if it meant hurting your own chances? It would be deeply rooted, and We need to consider all people like that.

Is it easy? Not a bit. The world seems to be about competition. Being a "have" and not a "have not". Cars, homes, spouses, perfect kids, everyone is fit, wonderful jobs that don't require much effort and allow plenty of time to travel. These selfish things are all individual focused and not brother focused. There are also those with great ideas to provide healthcare to those without, homes for the homeless, but these people and their plans usually require a mandate that others do something. They don't work within their circle of influence, they want to tell you what to do. What worked better as a child - sharing with a sibling when you came to the conclusion that they deserved some fun, or having a parent make you share "because it was the right thing to do". You see its individual, and it comes from within. Otherwise it causes more relational stress.

Focus on the people's spirit, do what you can with your own resources to raise them, don't expect others to do anything. If we all lived forever, and had to deal with each other forever, what changes would you make?