Faith in Relationships

I think there is a parallel principle in our relationships with our loved ones and with God himself. It's all based on faith. 

Sometimes we see a seemingly strong member of the church, turn away and decline into inactivity. We ask ourselves, 'How could they do that? How does that happen?" Conversely, we see a strong couples 'fall out of love' and see their relationship break into pieces. I think the cause is the same.

FALLING OUT OF LOVE- RELIGIOUSLY SPEAKING

Just like any relationship, our relationship with God is based on a few key ingredients. This is not a definitive list, but certainly faith, trust, communication and love are essential. We learn to have faith in him and we learn of his faith in us through first seeing his interactions with others. We read of these in the scriptures and hear them in faith promoting stories. The scriptures also are an evidence, or the 'substance' of our faith as it reads in Hebrews 11. It's a proof, if you will, of his love. That's why we read them, even daily, so not to forget. Those who have read the Book of Mormon see what happens when a people fail to remember the love of their God, seemingly overnight they turn, and we ask "why? How could you do that?" They don't constantly remind themselves of God's love. They stop communicating with him--Not because He doesn't want to show his love or communicate, but because he has done everything He could, and the rest is up to us-- And then, without those reminders of his love or those tender communications from heaven, we start to doubt, and that kill faith and trust. Then we start believing that he really doesn't care for us, and that can even lead to resentment and hate.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

I believe these same principles are at play in our every day to day relationships, particularly with loved ones. Without evidences of love and proper communication, everything sits on unstable ground. We begin to doubt, and then assume that the other really doesn't care for us, and we start to buy into these assumptions we make. Often this is happening at the same time, on both sides. O what a difference a little phone call, or a thoughtful comment, a compliment can make. Just a simple reaffirmation that, "Yes, I care about you." I sincerely hope that my future children, my future wife, all my loved ones, never have any question in their mind how I feel about them. I intend to show that as often as I can. 

Going back to the religious side, we speak of how we love him because he first loved us. That's really what it takes to fix some of these problems. It takes someone reaching out. For example, when we realize that the Lord is there to take us back, that evokes powerful emotions. How can we not help but love him? He loves us so much and we realize how much he has invested in our happiness. He wants to see us succeed. When we realize that, walls come down, and love abounds. It can be that way in our relationships with others.

Make sure those that are dear to you know that you care for them! It doesn't take grand schemes, only simple gestures. Never leave them to guess. And as you do this, they will begin to respond with the same love and kindness. It may take some time, and they have their agency, but they will never be able to doubt your love and concern for them. 

Believe in your loved ones as the Lord believes in you. Affirm them, and lift them in their own eyes. They are children of God and have an infinite potential, help them believe in themselves. The loving and simple thoughtful acts from day to day can make such a difference