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Proverbs 13:20
Grace and peace be with you right now friend! Relationships. They’re messy, complicated, beautiful, and life-changing all at once, right? Whether it’s a lifelong friendship, a romantic relationship, or even your relationship with your family, navigating these waters can sometimes feel like you're steering a boat through a storm. That’s why wisdom is key—God’s wisdom, not our own. Proverbs 4:7 says, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." So how do we apply this divine wisdom to our relationships?
let God lead
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want to take the reins in your relationships and figure things out on your own. But the truth is, God’s wisdom is far greater than our own. Trusting His guidance—through prayer, scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit—is the foundation for any healthy relationship.
When you bring God into the center of your relationships, His wisdom brings clarity to those hard conversations, His peace brings calm in moments of conflict, and His love shows you how to love others well.
Tip:
Start your day by asking God for wisdom in your interactions. Say something like, “Lord, give me eyes to see others like You see them and a heart that mirrors Your love and truth.”
know when to speak + when to listen
Ah, communication—both a blessing and sometimes, a curse. We often feel the need to speak up, explain ourselves, or justify our feelings. But wisdom in relationships also means knowing when to stay silent, when to listen, and when to speak.
Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Sometimes, the wisest thing you can do in a relationship is not to say anything at all. Instead, listen. Let people share their hearts without jumping in with a solution or advice.
Tip:
Practice active listening. When someone is talking, instead of thinking about how you’ll respond, focus on really hearing them. Ask questions like, “How can I best support you in this?” or “What do you need from me right now?”
set boundaries, but don’t build walls
Boundaries are necessary in every healthy relationship. They protect your heart and help you love others without losing yourself in the process. But be careful not to confuse boundaries with walls. Walls block people out; boundaries allow for love and respect to flourish.
Jesus Himself had boundaries. He retreated to quiet places to rest and spend time with the Father. He knew His limits but never shut others out completely. Love without losing yourself. Wisdom teaches us that boundaries are an act of self-care and stewardship of our God-given energy and time.
Tip:
Write down areas in your life where you need boundaries. Do you need to carve out time for self-care, prayer, or rest? Do you need to kindly let others know your limits? Remember, boundaries should protect, not isolate.
forgiveness is freedom
You can’t have wisdom in relationships without forgiveness. Here’s the hard truth: people are going to hurt you. And you’re going to hurt people too. It’s inevitable in relationships. But wisdom says, "Forgive, as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the hurt or pretending it never happened. It’s choosing to let go of the weight it has on you and trusting God to bring healing. It's not always easy, but it’s necessary for your heart’s freedom and the health of your relationships.
Tip:
If you’re holding onto hurt, take it to God. Ask Him to help you release it. And if you need to, have an honest, grace-filled conversation with the person who hurt you. Remember, forgiveness is more about your peace than theirs.
choose people who align with your purpose
You become like the people you spend the most time with, and that’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with people who share your values, faith, and purpose. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This doesn’t mean you avoid everyone who isn’t perfect. After all, none of us are! But seek relationships that uplift, challenge, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. You want people who sharpen you, support you, and hold you accountable.
Tip:
Take a quick inventory of the relationships in your life. Are they drawing you closer to God or further away? Pray for discernment about who to invest in and who may need to be a lighter presence in your life.
grace upon grace
Last but not least, wisdom in relationships requires grace—both for others and for yourself. Relationships aren’t about being perfect; they’re about growing together. Be quick to give grace when mistakes happen and slow to judge. And extend that same grace to yourself when you mess up (because you will).
Remember, God’s grace covers every misstep, every wrong word, and every conflict. As you grow in wisdom, you’ll learn to walk in His grace and offer it freely to those you love.
Tip:
In moments of frustration or misunderstanding, pause and ask, “How would God’s grace show up here?” Let that question guide your response.
love like Jesus
At the end of the day, wisdom in relationships means learning to love others the way Jesus loves us—selflessly, patiently, and with a heart full of grace. No relationship is perfect, but with God's wisdom, each one can grow stronger, healthier, and full of His purpose.
So, let's keep seeking wisdom—whether it's in our friendships, dating relationships, or family dynamics. And remember, as long as God is at the center, you're already on the right path.
Let’s keep walking in wisdom and grace, friends. God’s got us—and our relationships—completely covered! Amen!
in harmony,
nancy
Pulse Check:
Write down one hurt you're holding onto and ask God to help you release it. What would forgiveness look like for you? Take 10 minutes and reflect—then ask God for the strength to move forward.
