“Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].” 1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP
Nowadays, “cut-off culture” seems to be getting more common, especially on social media. Relationships seem to be held with increasingly more levity and any relationship that seems to require some work is fit to be cut off. Any sign of disagreement means the other party is “toxic” and thus disposable.
As believers, this shouldn’t be our attitude to relationships. We should not give up so easily on people. If we claim to believe in Jesus, we must also follow His example (Philippians 2:5). He died for us while we were still sinners, separated from him, and he went the extra mile to bring us back into a relationship with him (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2: 13). We also should be willing to extend grace and go the extra mile in our relationships.
This is necessary because we are in the business of souls and as such must be good stewards of our relationships. A wise man said, “a believer must be a master at relationships”. Remember, God always uses men to bring His purposes to pass on the earth. He brings different people into your life at different seasons for different purposes.
Remember those relationships you were so sure were covenant relationships but suddenly became strained and distant? Or those people you were reaching out to with the Gospel but a minor disagreement caused all communications to cease?
There might be legitimate reasons for these, but don’t be ignorant of the devices of the devil. Don’t give up on those relationships, hope for the best, reach out, and put in some more effort to keep your relationships, especially the good ones.
DO THIS: Pray about every strained relationship in your life and do something about them as you are led by the Spirit.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 11-13