Developing Caring Relationships - Jesus as a Resilient Example

As part of a Christian leadership event, the assignment was to identify three resilient characteristics in the life of Jesus, which I find most relevant to me as a leader or as a helping professional. Developing Caring relationships, Purposeful Meaning and a Sense of Ones Calling. This assignment was so powerful; I redesigned the activity as a blog entry.

Develop Caring Relationships

After Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, humankind lived separately from God. However, God remained compassionate toward man and sought to redeem humankind back to Himself. Time after time, the Old Testament recorded instances where God sought to draw man back to Himself. However, while some were restored, many lived separated from God without communicating or connecting.

As time progressed, God chooses to send His Son Jesus Christ as "the appeasement for our sins” (1 John 2:2). From birth, he was presented with many challenges during His time on earth — what a striving example of resiliency. For nearly thirty-three years, Jesus lived a sinless life. His entire journey left a lasting model of resiliency. In light of His many challenges, I believe His ability to build relationships is a character I so fondly align with on my resilient journey. 

Jesus always made connections where ever he went. He loved all people and often spoke about building new relationships with other people, especially those who had less. I am convinced that relationships are forged based on excellent communication, which leads to connection. Through practice, I have found that effective communicating at every level, whether that is one-on-one, small groups, or a full audience, contributes to connection. As a result, my relationships are more significant, my public impression has improved, the capacity of my team has increased, my impact and influence have increased, as well, my productivity has increased rapidly.

A forging positive relationship with all individuals is essential, but having both an active reference group and a 911 friendship group is imperative for helping professionals and leaders. As leaders, we habitually associate ourselves with our reference groups. We have each heard that birds of a feather flock together, therefore we will be as successful and engaging as members of our reference group. The concept of 911 friends is finding friends who want nothing more from you then a friendship and do not ask for anything in return as Jesus talked about the poor coming to dinner. The poor had nothing to give back but their gratitude, which is more important than materialistic things. The thankfulness or the gift of friendship is irreplaceable.

In conclusion, people can not be successful in life without the understanding and comprehension of the importance of developing relationships. The secret is connecting with yourself, family, your 911 group, and your reference group. After over 20 years of marriage, a long career helping others, and many opportunities to lead organizations, I do believe that a resilient character strength is knowing how to build relationships.