Saturday, October 10, 2026

Over the past few weeks, we've talked about some of the hardest parts of relationships: fighting for what matters, having difficult conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and pursuing reconciliation.

None of it is easy.

But that's the point.

Relationships worth having often require us to go farther than what feels comfortable. Sometimes that means going first, having the conversation we've been avoiding, or creating a boundary. And sometimes it means taking a step toward reconciliation when wisdom and repentance make it possible.

The memory verse for Left On Read is a reminder of all we’ve reflected on recently: “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (Ephesians 4:15).

Notice that it's not just about speaking the truth. It's about speaking the truth in love. It's about growing to look more and more like Jesus.

And Jesus didn't just tell us what love looks like. He showed us.

Jesus went to extraordinary lengths for us, pursuing us, even when we were far from him. He stepped into our brokenness and made a way for reconciliation.

So as this series comes to a close, maybe the question isn't simply, "What should I do about this relationship?"

Maybe it's, "What lengths am I willing to go to?" Not to fix someone, force reconciliation, or pretend everything is okay … but to love like Jesus.

I encourage you to reflect, take the next step toward healthier relationships, and use the wonderful example of our Mighty Counselor to mirror all that he taught us during his time on earth with us.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for being my constant example of what true and whole relationships look like. Help me to continue pursuing a life full of relationships that mirror your love, speaking truth and growing in every way to be more and more like you. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.