October 5-November 1, 2026
Healthy relationships don’t just work ... they actually take work. Because of the brokenness experienced by humanity when sin entered the world, healthy relationships have to be built and maintained. The Bible gives us much wisdom about all types of relationships, and during this series we will seek to learn and apply these truths so that we can relate to others in a way that demonstrates the love of Jesus. Below you’ll find a guide to help you meditate on each week’s reading and an in depth description of the heart behind this series.
Use the link to below to dive deeper into meditating on and studying God's Word as you read!
Healthy Relationships Start with Us
We have all experienced relational challenges in our lives. The natural response to relational tension is to blame the other person. And while it’s true that sometimes another person’s actions can be the cause of strife, our own human nature is also usually a factor. We cannot control anyone else, nor should we try. Instead, we have to accept that our primary focus should be our own relationship with God. When we start there, we allow our hearts to be shaped and prepared for building healthy relationships with others.
In this series, Romans 12 forms the foundation upon which we will build. As we focus on living a life surrendered to God, it gives us a teachable spirit so that we can receive and apply His truth. We are then able to see ourselves as He sees us, which reveals that we are loved in spite of our imperfection. With a humble heart, we can begin to see where we need correction, and we gain a new perspective about other people. The next steps take us closer to the heart of Jesus, who willingly laid down his life to save others. Finally, we come to a place of offering forgiveness and grace to our fellow human beings.
Along the way, we will be inspired by other examples of relational love and empowered by instruction given to us by the biblical authors. This series will help transform the relationships in your life, if you open your heart to God’s wisdom and begin each day with surrendering yourself to Him.
In this series, Romans 12 forms the foundation upon which we will build. As we focus on living a life surrendered to God, it gives us a teachable spirit so that we can receive and apply His truth. We are then able to see ourselves as He sees us, which reveals that we are loved in spite of our imperfection. With a humble heart, we can begin to see where we need correction, and we gain a new perspective about other people. The next steps take us closer to the heart of Jesus, who willingly laid down his life to save others. Finally, we come to a place of offering forgiveness and grace to our fellow human beings.
Along the way, we will be inspired by other examples of relational love and empowered by instruction given to us by the biblical authors. This series will help transform the relationships in your life, if you open your heart to God’s wisdom and begin each day with surrendering yourself to Him.
Week 1: Oct. 5-11
A life of surrender
Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
John 13:34–35
Ephesians 5:15-33
Ephesians 6:1-4
Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
John 13:34–35
Ephesians 5:15-33
Ephesians 6:1-4
Week 2: Oct. 12-18
Think sensibly
Romans 12:3-8
Philippians 2:1-11
1 Peter 4:7-11
Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:1-7
Romans 12:3-8
Philippians 2:1-11
1 Peter 4:7-11
Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:1-7
Week 3: Oct. 19-25
All in
Romans 12:9-13
1 John 4:7–12
John 15:9-12
Ruth 1:6-22
Mark 2:1-12
Romans 12:9-13
1 John 4:7–12
John 15:9-12
Ruth 1:6-22
Mark 2:1-12
Week 4: Oct. 26-Nov. 1
Focus on forgiveness
Romans 12:14-21
Matthew 18:21–22
Matthew 5:23–24
Colossians 3:12–14
Ephesians 4:32
Romans 12:14-21
Matthew 18:21–22
Matthew 5:23–24
Colossians 3:12–14
Ephesians 4:32