Healthy relationships are all about fidelity and safety. There is a level of investment- you have to understand what makes your partner feel safe. This requires communication, honesty, and openness. You have to participate in their lives in a meaningful way. When this happens, the husband won’t have to worry about his wife criticizing him for playing golf on Saturday. She won’t mind the golf and time with the boys when she feels safe. And when he feels safe, he won’t mind the shopping trip or the time she takes with her friends. Feeling safe promotes exploration, freedom, and intimacy.

It’s like that with God too. When we get in a vibrant relationship with Him, we are free to explore our world in a meaningful way. Freedom breeds intimacy. Intimacy breeds freedom.

And in the end, all that really matters in life is who you love and who loves you. That’s the Gospel, and that’s what makes everyone dance for joy.

(Tim Clinton, Ed.D, and Joshua D. Straub, M.A.)