We aren't in heaven yet. That's why difficult relationships are part of life. However, if we're willing to approach relationships biblically, God will use them to strengthen our faith (Hebrews 12:11; Romans 8:28).
We should choose friends wisely, avoiding close relationships with ungodly, rude, critical, or selfish people.(1)
But family is different. We don't choose our family—God does. That makes them a "God priority." And God places the highest importance on our parents and our spouse (Ephesians 5:25-33; Ephesians 6:2-3). These relationships deserve our best efforts, greatest forgiveness, and most dedicated loyalty.
In fact, Scripture says our attitude toward our parents is a reflection of our attitude toward God (Matthew 15:1-9; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). And our relationship with our spouse is an analogy of Christ's love for His bride, the Church (Ephesian 5:21-33).
When problems arise, we must kindly share our concerns and listen carefully to the concerns of others (Philippians 2:1-4; Matthew 5:22-24).
And perhaps most important of all is our willingness to admit when we're wrong. We make matters worse when we refuse to apologize or make "fake apologies" accompanied by excuses, justifications, and blame-shifting. So often relationships could be healed if someone simply said, "Forgive me, I was wrong."(2)
So let's ask the Lord to give us strength to treat people as Philippians 2:1-4 describes!
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Note: We can't solve all relationship problems because there are two people involved and sometimes one person is unwilling, but we can give it our best.
(1) See 4 Types of People God Tells Us to Avoid and Movin' On.
(2) The 1-minute devotions below will help you apologize in ways that build relationships instead of ways that tear them down:
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