The Bible on Relationships: 3 Inspirational Thoughts

Show Kindness

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

God extends kindness to us even when we do not deserve it. In the same way, we are called to reflect God’s kindness to others, regardless of how they choose to respond.
Don’t wait for a crisis to extend loving-kindness to others. Take the time to ponder who is suffering from a recent heartbreak. Maybe they could use a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Who feels discouraged in your circle of friends? Maybe they need to hear an encouraging word. Who might feel alone? Perhaps you could pick up the phone and tell them that you care. Be faithful to do your part and watch God’s encouragement work in their lives.

Reflect and Pray
Would people who know you quickly identify you as a kind person? Who is someone who could use some extra kindness in their life? What act of kindness for this person can you do this week?

Restoring Relationships

If you . . . remember that your brother or sister has something against you . . . go and be reconciled to them. Matthew 5:23–24

Forgiveness from God coupled with responsibility toward the other person are key to restoring relationships. In Jesus’ eyes, broken relationships are always our responsibility. If someone has something against us, he calls us to go and make it right (see Matthew 5:23–24). If we have something against another, we’re responsible to take the initiative to settle our differences (see Matthew 18:15). It’s not always comfortable, but it is always the right thing to do. Do whatever it takes to restore the relationship. Do it because it pleases God and because your relationships will be richer for it.

Reflect and Pray
What are ways you might need to reconcile your relationship with God? What relationship did you once enjoy that has since unraveled? What are steps you could take to restore that relationship?

Influence and Encourage

Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them. 1 Kings 22:42–43

Not everyone has had the benefit of a Christian upbringing, but that in no way excludes them from the family of God. God has a way of adopting some of the most unlikely spiritual orphans and recruits us to help our new family members. We can show them how to live in a holy way just as Asa showed Jehoshaphat. And though they may not be your own physical children who have inherited your eyes and ears, you can still help others develop eyes to see God and ears to hear the gospel. Encourage those in your sphere of influence to cultivate a strong family resemblance to their heavenly Father.

Reflect and Pray
How did you come into God’s family? How have you grown to “look like” God since you joined his family? Which of God’s traits would you like to model for your children or for others around you?

Words to take with you today. Kindness. Restore. Encourage.

Find more mini-devotionals in the NIV Busy Mom’s Bible.