Patience is frequently the most confusing of virtues. For one thing, many people do not realize that patience is a learned quality!  It does not come instinctively for most of us.

Here are three areas in which patience does pay:

1. Goal setting. You have heard the saying that anything good is worth waiting for. Waiting does not mean simply sitting and doing nothing, waiting for great things to happen to you. You have to make them happen! Give yourself a realistic time frame to sit down and write out your goals. Remember, Rome was not built in a day. Set mini-goals within larger goals so you can get a better visual of your progress. You will feel motivated by your accomplishments when you see your plan developing.

2. Learning new skills. As we get older, it is not as easy to learn new skills. We can become discouraged and feel like giving up. People out of the workforce for many years are entirely out of the technology loop. And it can be challenging to get up...

As Christians, our faith is not just about personal salvation or individual spirituality; it is also deeply connected to how we interact with others. From the beginning, God designed us to live in a community and build relationships that reflect His love, grace, and truth. Pursuing healthy relationships is, therefore, an essential part of living out our Christian faith. By striving to build strong, loving connections with those around us, we not only grow closer to God but also experience the profound joy and fulfillment that come from witnessing His transforming power in our lives.

The Biblical Foundation for Healthy Relationships

The Bible contains numerous teachings emphasizing the significance of relationships. Jesus summarized the essence of the Law with two great commandments: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it;...

Based on your past experiences and interactions with others, you might question the feasibility of cultivating and sustaining healthy relationships. The world is full of fractured situations and disarray. You may wonder if it is possible to have long-lasting, fulfilling relationships built on trust and bring joy to both individuals involved.

According to the Bible, God intended for Adam and Eve to have a beautiful and honorable relationship that would honor Him. From the very beginning of creation, God designed us to be in relationships. These relationships—whether with God, family, friends, or our community—are at the core of what it means to be human.

But what does it truly mean to have healthy relationships, and how can we nurture them according to God’s plan?

We Reflect God’s Nature

God Himself exists in a perfect relationship within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine fellowship is a model for the loving,...

In a world where fleeting emotions and self-interest often define relationships, it can be challenging to discern what constitutes a healthy relationship. For Christians, the Bible offers a unique and timeless perspective on how to build and maintain relationships that honor God and nurture the well-being of everyone involved. Whether it’s a friendship, a marriage, or a relationship with family members, certain signs indicate that a relationship is healthy and rooted in Christian principles.

So, what are the characteristics of a healthy relationship?

Christ-Centered Foundation

The cornerstone of a healthy Christian relationship is unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus underscores the importance of building our lives on the solid rock of His teachings: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the...

The Bible has a lot to say about how we should treat one another, offering guidance that reflects the heart of God for His people.

Here are some key principles from Scripture:

Love One Another

Nothing is more essential than the presence of love in the realm of strong and lasting relationships. Love is a defining and distinguishing characteristic of individuals who identify as Christians.

The command to love is central to the teachings of Jesus. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." This love is not just an emotion but an action that is selfless, sacrificial, and reflective of Christ’s love for us.

Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated

Often referred to as the Golden Rule, Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:12, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to...

Being a mom is a calling filled with incredible joys, challenges, and responsibilities. For a Christian mom, this role takes on even deeper significance as you strive to raise your children in the faith, nurture their spiritual growth, and guide them with love and wisdom. But what does it mean to be a Christian mom, and how can you embrace this role with grace and strength?

Embracing Your God-Given Role

Motherhood is a divine calling. God has entrusted you with the responsibility of raising and shaping your children's lives. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that our children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Understanding that your role as a mom is part of God’s plan gives you the strength and purpose to fulfill this responsibility with dedication and joy.

Leading by Example

As a Christian mom, your actions speak louder than words. Your children look to you as their first example of what it means to live a life of faith. By prioritizing prayer,...

Forgiveness and mercy are at the heart of Christian living. They are not just virtues admired from afar, but practices lived out in our daily interactions with others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another and extending mercy, reflecting the very character of God. When we forgive and show mercy, we mirror the love and grace that God has shown to us through Jesus Christ.

The Call to Forgive

Forgiveness is not optional for a Christian; it is a command. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This verse underscores the seriousness with which God views forgiveness. We are to forgive others as a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from Him.

Operating out of forgiveness means letting go of grudges, resentment, and the desire for revenge. It is about releasing...

Relationships are one of the most significant aspects of our lives. Whether with family, friends, or a spouse, the quality of our relationships can greatly affect our overall well-being. However, relationships can also be challenging and require intentional maintenance and strengthening. One of the most powerful ways to nurture and strengthen our relationships is prayer—praying for love to fill them.

The Power of Love in Relationships

The Bible speaks extensively about the importance of love in our relationships. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, we read, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." The word "charity" in this verse is love. This passage reminds us that love is the foundation for building strong, lasting relationships.

Love is not merely a feeling or an emotion; it is a commitment to seek the best for others and to be patient, kind, and forgiving. When we pray to seek love in our relationships, we genuinely seek God to...

Life is full of challenges, and relationships are no exception. Whether it is a misunderstanding with a friend, a disagreement in marriage, or tension within a family, struggles and difficulties are inevitable. However, the Bible teaches us that when we operate out of love, we are to work through these challenges in a way that not only strengthens our relationships but also transforms them. Love is the foundation that enables us to navigate life’s storms with grace, patience, and resilience, offering us hope and inspiration in the face of adversity.

Love Bears All Things

One of the most well-known passages about love is 1 Corinthians 13. In verse 7, the Apostle Paul writes that love "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." When we operate out of love, we are willing to bear the burdens of relationships. Love gives us the strength to endure hardships, to believe the best in others, and to maintain hope even when circumstances...

Relationships are at the heart of our lives, shaping who we are and how we experience the world. Yet, many of us know the pain of broken relationships—whether with family, friends, or ourselves.

Sin created a division between Adam and Eve, damaging the close relationship God had given them, and ever since, sin has negatively affected every relationship.

But there is hope. Jesus Christ came not only to save us from sin but also to heal our relationships. Through His love, grace, and example, we can find restoration and peace in our connections with others.

The Foundation of Healing: Jesus’ Love

At the heart of Jesus’ earthly mission was love. His command in John 15:12, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you," Is a powerful reminder. Jesus’ love is not just love but a force that transforms. It is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. It can heal the deepest wounds caused by conflict, misunderstanding, and...