Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Bible in a Year: Exodus 33-36 | Ephesians 1

The people we allow into our lives have a profound impact on who we become. Relationships are never neutral as they are either helping us move closer to God’s purpose or pulling us away from it. Proverbs 12:20 reminds us that the company we keep shapes our character, our choices, and even the direction of our future.

Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

One of the clearest signs of a life-giving relationship is that the other person doesn’t give up when obstacles appear. When challenges arise, unhealthy relationships often look for the nearest exit. They become frustrated, distant, or focused on their own convenience. But wise, godly people respond differently. Instead of looking for a reason to leave, they reach for a way forward. 

Think about the friends who have stood by you during difficult seasons. The ones who checked in when everyone else disappeared. The ones who prayed for you, encouraged you, challenged you, and refused to let you settle for less than what God had for you. These are the kinds of people Proverbs points us toward. They don’t simply enjoy your company when life is easy; they persevere on your behalf when life is hard. 

Life-giving relationships are marked by a powerful truth: these people want more for you than from you. They celebrate your growth even when it costs them time, energy, and comfort. They care about your healing, your spiritual maturity, your purpose, and your relationship with God. They don’t measure the relationship by what they can gain, they invest because they genuinely desire your flourishing. 

This kind of friendship reflects the heart of Christ. Jesus continually made a way for people who were struggling, broken, and burdened. He didn’t abandon them when obstacles arose. He moved toward them with compassion, patience, and persistence. As his followers, we are called not only to seek wise companions but also to become wise companions ourselves. 

Consider the people walking closest to you. Are they helping you pursue God’s best? Also, are you the kind of person who perseveres on behalf of others? Wise relationships don’t quit when the path becomes difficult. True friendship isn’t proven when the road is easy, but when love remains committed despite delays, disappointments, and detours. 

Questions: 
Who are the people in your life that consistently want more for you than from you? 

How have they helped you navigate obstacles rather than avoid them?

In what relationship is God inviting you to persevere instead of giving up?

Next Steps: 
Thank one person who has faithfully walked beside you through a difficult season. 

Pray for wisdom to recognize relationships that encourage spiritual growth.

Look for one practical way to support someone who is facing an obstacle this week. 

Prayer: 
Father, thank you for the people you place in my life to encourage, strengthen, and guide me. Help me walk with the wise and become a source of wisdom and encouragement to others. Teach me to persevere in love when obstacles arise and to seek the good of others above my own comfort. Surround me with relationships that draw me closer to you and help me become the kind of friend who reflects your faithful heart. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 

This post was written by Heaven Nash, a Findlay attendee and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut devotional.