Building Healthy Relationships:

Relationships are like the pieces of a puzzle that make our lives complete. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or others, relationships play a major role in our happiness.

Right from the beginning, God made it clear that people need each other. After declaring all of His creation to be good, God said that one thing was not good: Adam was alone (Genesis 2:18). So He made Eve to meet Adam’s basic need for relationship. It’s crucial for each of us to have friends and family, and when we consistently isolate ourselves and avoid interaction, we are actually doing ourselves harm.

Relationships are essential, but that doesn’t mean they are easy. In fact, it takes work to show people the love and respect they deserve as creatures who have been made in the image of God.

Let’s look at 4 simple but profound commands from the Bible for making our relationships strong and lasting.

Biblical Tips for Healthy Relationships

1. Talk to Each Other
   Good communication is key to any relationship. The Bible tells us to speak honestly and kindly to each other. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speak the truth in love,” which means we should not only be forthright in our communications with others, but also gentle and caring in our delivery.
2. Be Honest and Trustworthy
   Trust is like the glue that holds relationships together. The Bible says it’s important to be honest and keep promises. Proverbs 11:13 tells us, “A trustworthy person keeps a secret,” showing us the value of honesty and trustworthiness.
3. Forgive Each Other
   We all make mistakes, and forgiving each other is crucial for good relationships. The Bible tells stories of forgiveness, like the one about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11–32. Forgiving others helps heal hurts and brings us closer together.
4. Care for Each Other
   Showing kindness and putting others first is what living the Christian life is all about. Jesus set an example by serving others and caring for them. Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

While these commands are simply stated, they are often difficult to put into practice. Our sinful natures drive us toward selfishness instead, so we must be deliberate and intentional in putting them into action. It’s important to be conscious of how we talk and interact with others. Pray and ask God for help in keeping your promises, forgiving when needed, and helping others in practical ways.

Let’s remember these four simple but powerful lessons from the Bible about building healthy relationships. By talking openly, being trustworthy, forgiving each other, and showing kindness, we can make our relationships strong and lasting.

As we put these ideas into practice, may our friendships, marriages, parenting, and other connections reflect the love and care that God has for each of us.