Sunday, September 28, 2025

When it comes to relationships, it's easy to focus on what others should be doing differently. However, Scripture reminds us that healthy relationships begin with the way we choose to show up.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:12–14:
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Paul isn't telling us to make so many allowances that it opens the door for people to take advantage of us. He's instructing us to serve and submit to one another in love. It's not a request for passivity; it is an active way we contribute to peace, trust, and growth in our relationships. When we approach our relationships this way, it reflects the love of Christ.

As we look ahead, consider it an opportunity to "clothe" yourself with compassion, offer forgiveness to keep bitterness from taking root, and allow love to reshape the way you respond to someone who challenges you.

We don't always get to choose the people in our lives, but we do get to choose the posture of our hearts. When we live out the love of Christ, we contribute to relationships that honor God and lead us to a place where no one feels like they are getting screwed.

Discussion Questions:
Ice Breaker: What's one quality you most appreciate in a friend (e.g., kindness, honesty, humor)? Why?

How does a church community benefit when its members practice humility, compassion, and mutual submission instead of competing for recognition?

Read Philippians 2:2–11: When you think about a recent conflict, how might this passage guide you toward responding differently, perhaps with greater humility, unity, or understanding, to move toward wholehearted agreement?

Think about a relationship in your life. How might it change if you shared your beliefs openly with compassion, while also listening patiently and respectfully to the other person's perspective?

Reflect and Respond: What's one practical step you can take this week to contribute equally to your relationships, not by being a doormat, but by showing Christlike humility and love?

Prayer:
Father, please guide me to a place of true love and unity in my relationships. My heart desires to honor you and follow the example you set for me. Help me to walk in humility, as you did, valuing others above myself. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.