Mind Your Heart
“My Word is My Bond, Maybe”
Genesis 2:18–25

How do we listen to our hearts without losing our minds?

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” –Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

Relationships
Casual >>> Serious
Co-worker, Neighbor, Friend, Dating, Family, Married

Five Relationship Dynamics
Know, Trust, Rely, Commit, Touch
Ground rule: Never go further in one area than you have gone in the previous

Relationships are complex. We need more than just our heart. We need wisdom, the mind of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32
Genesis 2:18–25
Philippians 2:5

4th relationship dynamic: Commitment

But God shows his love for us [his commitment to us] in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. –Romans 5:8

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [God is committed to us- He spared nothing- he’s all in] –Romans 8:32

The commitment God desires from us, God already has for us.

Commitment is a state of personal dedication to something or someone, which results in actively promoting and working for their good and well-being.

Not only does commitment begin with God and reach down to us, commitment, or the ability to commit ourselves, is essential to a good life:
•	Friendships require commitment.
•	Successful careers require commitment.
•	A good marriage requires commitment.
•	Expertise requires commitment.

Three Types of Commitment
1.	I “want to” strand of commitment
2.	I “have to” strand of commitment
3.	I’m “reluctant to” strand of commitment

What we want in our relationships are lots of “want to” strands, fewer “have to” strands, and even fewer “reluctant to” strands.

Five words to measure commitment
1.	Priority 
2.	Loyalty
3.	Openness 
4.	Sacrifice 
5.	Deference 

Five ways to predict commitment
1.	By how they prioritize their relationships with others. (Priority)
2.	By how protective and loyal they are toward other important relationships. (Loyalty)
3.	By their transparency in sharing dreams, hurts, successes and disappointments. (Openness)
4.	By their willingness to put others first. (Sacrifice)
5.	By their propensity to give credit and affirmation to others. (Deference)

Five ways to communicate commitment
1.	Rearrange your plans, let go of your preferences, and connect at their level. (Priority)
2.	Don’t make fun of, criticize, or speak badly of that person, especially around others. (Loyalty)
3.	Ask questions that get below the surface, listen well, and reciprocate transparently. (Openness)
4.	Share decision-making, ask advice and let go of the agenda. (Sacrifice)
5.	Be humble, deflect praise, show gratitude and celebrate others. (Deference)

Commitment is like a muscle: a relationship muscle. We can see it and we can practice it. We can strengthen commitment and we can give and receive just the right level of commitment.