The Bible speaks about those who, when asked to walk one mile with someone, willingly go two miles. It also talks about those who carry others on their shoulders without question. In any relationship this is the quality that must form the foundation. Unfortunately, today, such individuals are rare in relationships. Most people think, ‘What can I gain from this relationship?’ rather than ‘What can I give?’ This selfish mentality leads to the breakdown of relationships.
When selfishness is the driving force in a relationship, it becomes problematic. Using others for personal gain is the ultimate form of selfishness. However, there are also those who love selflessly, who share in our joys and sorrows equally. These are the people who make our relationships meaningful and worth nurturing.
Here are some of the characteristics commonly found in these selfless individuals:
They speak highly of you, even in your absence. They don’t distance themselves by focusing on your flaws.
They accept you as you are without attempting to change you. They treat you as an equal.
Even though there may be external differences between you and them, their attitude towards you remains unchanged.
When you need to talk or seek comfort, they put aside their personal distractions and listen to you attentively.
They are willing to spend time with you, travel with you, and celebrate your happiness as if it were their own.
In times of sadness, they share your grief and offer compassion.
Their face reflects empathy, respect, and love, and they always treat you with kindness.
You should never cause pain to these people, not even with words. You should always keep them close to your heart and cherish them.
Life can be compared to a bus journey. Many people get on and off the bus at different stops. However, it is the driver who ensures the bus reaches its destination. Similarly these selfless individuals will accompany you through various stages of life, but in the end, they are the ones who will remain by your side, like the driver guiding you towards your destination. Therefore, never take such people for granted, for they are the ones who truly care for you.
We often give the most attention to those we love, but we don’t always value those who truly love us. We take their love for granted and fail to recognize its importance. In reality, it is those who love us unconditionally that we should cherish the most. Their love is the most precious for they are the ones who need us. If the people we love don’t reciprocate or if friendships are not nurtured, what value does our love have?
In relationships it is important to prioritize those who genuinely care for us. True love and deep connections are formed when we value and appreciate those who walk with us, through thick and thin.