Distance. Resentment. Avoidance. Relationships can be difficult. We want to love our family, our neighbors, and our coworkers well, but sometimes things goes wrong and we find ourselves tearing down the very relationships we were trying to build. Are we doomed to repeat this cycle forever?

For most of us, certain unhealthy reactions feel natural and even inevitable. Unconsciously, we cling to what some call the “empty way of life.”  But you are not doomed to repeat this cycle, according to William P. Smith in his latest book, Loving Well. (New Growth Press February 2012)

The destructive relationship patterns you learned before no longer need to control how you live and interact with others.” states Smith. “Instead, you can exchange the empty ways for new ones that promote deep unity and peacefulness—patterns that create satisfying and God-honoring relationships. A rich, practical faith enables you to develop rich, practical relationships with others in spite of your brokenness and theirs. You no longer have to do what you have always done. In short, you can learn to love well.”