
Our lives are made up of relationships. They come in many forms. From the co-worker we only met a short time ago to the family member we’ve known since birth, each relationship can be challenging in its own way. Sometimes the ones closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. We must learn to navigate these often unsettled waters with grace, because that is what Jesus calls us to do.
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. —Galatians 6:2-6
Many times we have more grace for those furthest away from us. We bite our tongues all day while we’re at work. When our co-worker makes a mistake or our boss is less than kind, we often let it go and simply move on, pretending everything is fine. But what happens when we walk through the door of our home at night? We’ve been stuffing our feelings far too long. At the first minor inconvenience, we tend to lose what little restraint we have left and say things that we regret. It doesn’t have to be this way. God has given us the perfect example of grace in Him, and we can learn to be more like Him and operate out of the fullness of His grace.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. —Galatians 6:9-10
It’s important that we identify the different types of relationships. This is going to take some work, and it may feel uncomfortable. Ask God to help you recognize these in your own life or in your relationships with others, past or present.
Journal: In the section below, share personal examples of the different types of relationships mentioned.
Law-Based Relationships or Unhealthy Relationships
- Law-based relationships demand perfection and punish imperfection.
- Law-based relationships create ungodly division.
- Law-based relationships are fear-based.
- Law-based relationships are transactional and selfish.
- Law-based relationships replace Christ with someone or something else.
Grace-Based Relationships or Healthy Relationships
- Grace-based relationships celebrate progress and health.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
- Grace-based relationships connect before they correct.
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. —Ephesians 4:15 NLT
- Grace-based relationships are relational and refreshing.
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. —Proverbs 11:25 NIV
Grace-based relationships are trust-based.
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. —Proverbs 27:5-6 NIV
Grace-based relationships point and motivate us toward Christ.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10 NKJV
Life is a journey; it’s not just about the destination. Building grace-based relationships can not only make our days more enriched, but it can also point others to God. After completing the exercise above, did you discover that you are operating more in law or grace? Whatever your answer may be, determine today to develop a heart of grace in all that you do.
Activation: Choose at least one of the Grace-Based Action Items from the list above and put it into practice in your relationships this week.
Prayer: Ask God to help you operate in grace with those around you as He has also shown you grace.