Relationships are an essential component of human existence. The Word of God and life of our Lord Jesus Christ confirms the fact that we are made for community – we need each other. Therefore, it is imperative that we take time to nurture relationships at all levels.
Nurturing requires giving of self, time and treasure. Too many times though we are given into the selfish attitude of “what’s in it for me?” If there’s nothing for me, then I’m not down for a relationship. Not to say we shouldn’t have expectations, we certainly must have expectations and guidelines; however, when our desire for relationships is driven by desire to fulfill our selfishness, we are wrong.
One day while meditating on healthy relationships and after hearing countless complaints of women’s needs not being met, the Holy Spirit dropped the following in my spirit – the words are simply: “don’t be a parasite in your marriage (or other relationships).” The definition of a parasite according to Merriam Webster:
Main Entry: par·a·site
Pronunciation: ˈper-ə-ˌsīt, ˈpa-rə-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin parasitus, from Greek parasitos, from para- + sitos grain, food
Date: 1539
1 : a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2 : an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3 : something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return
So, today, I ask are you a parasite or are you contributing party to healthy relationships?
Share your thoughts on this topic. . .
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