Life Lessons on Relationships by John C. Maxwell

I like to read John C. Maxwell material often.  From this handy dandy little book I recieve helpful insights on how to better understand and appreciate relationships in my life.  From my family, church family, and close friends this book is full of short yet helpful insights about the virtue of nuturing healthy relationships.

Here are several to chew on as you think about your influence:

1. Practice the 101 percent principle: Find the one thing you agree on with another person, and then give it 100 percent of your encouragement, page 35.

2. To handle yourself, use your head.  To handle others, use your heart, page 24.

3. You will acquire the vices and virtues of your closest associates.  The fragrance of their lives will pervade your life.

4. Hurting people hurt people, page 84.

Number 4 is one to ponder.  I challenge you with this today.  Give people the benefit of the doubt.  Recognize the heavy load each of us carry.   As you ponder the areas of influence you make on others find out what makes you do that.  Investigate the Word of God and ask the Lord if He is your encouragement to others or if it's from yourself.

Recognize Proverbs 27:2, "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."

God bless you as you pursue His presence and make a choice to serve this day the mighty King and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He alone empowers you to make a difference in the lives of those you touch for the Kingdom.