Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another ( NIV).
IF NOT ADDING VALUE
In O'level biology, we were taught about the different types of associations between organisms. Some associations are parasitic, commensal and symbiotic.
In a parasitic association, only the parasite benefit while the other person known as the host suffer damage&loss even to the point of death.
In a commensal relationship, the attached organism benefit from the host without causing harm to the host while in a symbiotic association, both organisms benefit from each other.
I'm not here to teach biology but that illustration is relevant to my teaching. Relationships must give/add value on both sides. That's what makes it a solid relationship.
It is dangerous to continue a relationship that is parasitic. Only one person gets value added to his/ her life at the detriment of the other person. If that relationship is not making you better but bitter, please run.
How can someone come into your life without a value to add to your life? Think. The little prayer fire in your life extinguished as you entered that relationship. He can't pray you can't pray that's equal to disaster.
Can't you see that your spiritual life hasn't improved since you started that relationship? Can't you see that your mental progress stopped because there's no challenge to improve your mind?
Do not think you're in love if you've decided to quit your personal growth and development to remain in that relationship with him/her. That's no sign of love.
Beware of those who play the card of "marry me and forget that course/programme or go for the course and forget marriage".
Those are manipulative and self-centred people. They're concerned about instant gratification and self satisfaction without considering the other person.
Value-adding relationships will improve and make you better spiritually, mentally, socially, academically and in other areas of your life. Genuine relationship doesn't deplete us they complete us.
If the crucial aspects of your life seems to be going down in that relationship, re consider that relationship. Iron must sharpen iron in our relationships, you must be improving in that relationship.
Is my relationship making me better or bitter?