In the previous devotional, the scriptures established the importance of relationships in the lives of believers. This helped to debunk every idea of isolation the enemy is selling through society today. Although it is okay to have time away from others, we must understand that essentially we are made to be relational beings and we must sharpen and strengthen our supernatural relationships.

A great example was in the life of David. His friendship with Jonathan saved his life when he needed it the most.

Most times when the word ‘relationship’ is used, its first connotation is with romantic relationships but before that, consider your brethren in the faith as your most important relationships. What we have in our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is called a supernatural relationship and we must cherish and honor it as such. God has put them around you to guide you, encourage you, and help keep you established on this journey. Never forget that!

Ephesians 4:16

New King James Version

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The Bible describes the body of Christ as one that supplies to our effective working in the faith.

Asides from this, we have other kinds of relationships that profit us in life. Mentor and mentee relationships, work relationships, business partners, reading partners, etc. Each of these relationships is formed to better us in one way or another, which is a good thing. But like every good thing, it deserves nurturing through care and attention.

If you have a good job, you will do everything you can to up-skill and maintain it or make it better, same thing with your school work. So, why would you leave any relationship unattended and expect it to blossom?

Good relationships thrive under care and attention and become better because of it. You must learn to maintain them as you progress in life.

Many attitudes ruin good friendships and spoil what could have been the most beneficial relationships of your life.

The Scriptures show us some examples:

Proverbs 16:28

New Living Translation

28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

The center of entertainment for most friendships is gossip. Talking about one friend to another behind their back is usually termed “sweet gist” and is more common than we would like to admit. Well, it is clear what the Bible’s position on gossiping is. It is one of the quickest ways to separate friends according to proverbs and shouldn’t be found in the life of a believer.

It is impossible to have any relationship and not have the other person offend you. Disagreements are common and can always be resolved with time, clear communication, and the help of the Holy Spirit to let go of wrongs. Once you find yourself holding on to a friend’s wrongdoing, then malice is not far from your doorstep.

Some experiences with friends can be hurtful but not impossible for us to forgive and let go of them with the help of the Spirit.

Here is why:

Proverbs 17:9

New King James Version

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Another rave in friendships or relationships is glorifying unpleasantness or meanness. Teasing others in ways that degrade them, insulting them, and rudeness are all the order of the day for how “friends” treat each other these days. These seem to be behaviors that society encourages but should not be found among us. Rather, kindness and graceful speaking must fill our conversations.

Colossians 4:6

New King James Version

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

The fruit of the Spirit makes it possible for us to exhibit the right characteristics that are becoming of the believer.

Galatians 5:22-23

New King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.

An application of these in relationships will help them grow the right way. In addition to these, learn to honor the other party in every relationship. Do not let familiarity make you lose out on what you can gain simply by honoring them. Learn to accord the respect they deserve and recognize the graces over their lives. Not all relationships are ordinary. It is in your best interest to discern the people God has given you and love them.

I Peter 2:17

New King James Version

17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Another way to nurture these relationships is to supply them spiritually. Ephesians 4:16 lets us know that we have a responsibility to supply what our brethren need to aid their growth.

Ephesians 4:16

New King James Version

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

This is especially true for relationships with other believers. Pray for and with them, study with them, and spur each other on to better works in the faith. Even for those who may not be believers, let the expressions of the gifts of the Spirit not be far from their lives. Pray for them as well, give them words of knowledge, encouragement, and wisdom, and exercise healing gifts to the end that they believe the message of the gospel.

In all you do, learn to treat relationships rightly.

Prayer Point:

Father, as your word has come to me today, I learn to nurture the relationships I have. I love, honor, and cherish them to the end that they become all they need to be in my life.