Biblical Answer

The Impact of Prioritizing Short-term Gains over Long-term Relationships When Feeling Anxious

When we're feeling anxious, it's natural to seek immediate comfort and relief. However, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term relationships can have far-reaching consequences. Jesus' teachings in the Bible caution against this approach, suggesting that anxiety and worry are not effective means of achieving happiness or spiritual growth. In fact, Jesus asks, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:27). This question highlights the futility of trying to find security and fulfillment through anxious striving.

Prioritizing short-term gains can lead to a series of problems in our relationships, particularly in marriage. When we focus on immediate gratification, we may compromise on the qualities that truly matter in a long-term partnership, such as friendship, trust, and communication. This can lead to a shallow and superficial relationship that lacks depth and intimacy. Moreover, research has shown that couples who delay physical involvement until marriage tend to have stronger and more stable relationships in the long run. This is because they have had the opportunity to cultivate a deeper emotional connection and to build a strong foundation of friendship and trust. By contrast, couples who prioritize short-term gains may experience a rush of excitement and pleasure in the short term, but they may ultimately struggle with feelings of emptiness and disconnection.

In contrast, prioritizing long-term relationships requires patience, self-discipline, and a willingness to delay gratification. This may involve navigating difficult emotions, such as anxiety and frustration, and finding healthy ways to manage them. It also requires a commitment to building a strong emotional connection with our partner, based on mutual respect, trust, and communication. By prioritizing long-term relationships, we can create a foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful partnership that brings joy and happiness to both partners. As Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). By focusing on building strong relationships that are based on spiritual values and principles, we can experience true happiness and fulfillment that lasts a lifetime.