The Magnum Opus of Relationship Skills

When one boils down life to its core, one finds it is both defined and described by relationships. It makes little difference if one leads millions as Prime Minister or President or if one leads a few like parents or principals, relationships are the DNA of one's in life. With the world open to you via the Internet, it is possible to see both good skill sets and bad skill sets at work as people try to get along with others. Though relating to friends is like putting on an old pair of comfortable jeans, it is much more difficult to learn to get along with people who are not personal friends. Whether they be subordinates in a work setting, or peers in a cultural and competitive environment, or new acquaintances met during normal routines of life, the people with whom we will relate well are those who experience from us excellent relationship skills.

I've put together a relationship principle that is based on an old French proverb. I've added an entire second phrase to the principle, tweaked it through changing a few words, and then brought it over into our English language. I believe this relationship principle is the magnum opus of relating well, and that it is supported by a host of Scriptures, particularly the Proverbs and the words of Christ. The principle takes about ten minutes to memorize, but a lifetime to apply. It goes like this:

 

You steady another soul through your kindness,

 and you sway that same soul through your calm.

I believe every marriage, every business, every non-profit, every family, every organization, and every living organism that strive to build healthy relationships will profit from learning and applying this principle daily. Try it next time you are at an airport counter among a group of angry passengers. Put it into practice in a long line at the restaurant. Think about it the next time someone is shouting at you. Remember it when your spouse is hurt and angry. We don't speak King James language anymore (i.e. "heaping coals of fire"), but the principles of God's word still apply -- particularly when understood in modern language.  Put this principle in your relationship tool box and you might find your road in life much smoother and more enjoyable.