Day 1: Overview

In the tapestry of our lives, relationships weave a vibrant and intricate pattern. Just as seasons change, relationships, too, transform, offering us the opportunity for renewal. The Bible encourages us to embrace this renewal actively and intentionally, recognizing the profound impact it can have on our lives.

The essence of renewal in relationships is deeply rooted in biblical principles. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, implores believers to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). These virtues serve as the threads that bind relationships together, fostering an environment of love and understanding.

One of the most significant components of our lives that the Lord has given us to steward well is our relationships—with God first and foremost, our family, and then our relationship with friends, coworkers, church community, and beyond. Even as I think about this list, I become overwhelmed with how many people and potential relationships there are. However, the good news is that the Holy Spirit loves to lead and guide us regarding the gifts (including relationships) the Lord has given us.

Research suggests that the average person can maintain meaningful relationships with about 150 individuals, known as Dunbar’s number. However, it’s not about the quantity but the quality of these connections. Jesus modeled intentional relationship building, investing deeply in a small group of disciples, and fostering a sense of community.

Intentionality is a critical component of biblical relationships. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening process requires intentional effort and commitment to cultivate relationships that uplift and encourage. Just as a garden needs care and attention, our relationships flourish when we invest time, prayer, and love.

Community plays a pivotal role in our journey of renewal. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 underscores the strength of togetherness: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Meaningful connections within a community provide support, accountability, and the opportunity for shared growth.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us set intentional goals to renew and strengthen our relationships. Through prayer, communication, and acts of love, we can foster an environment where relationships not only withstand the tests of time but also thrive, reflecting the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.

—Bri Sweatt, Global Division

Day 2: Scripture Meditations

Take time throughout the day to prayerfully meditate on these Scriptures.

Colossians 3:9-12
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹ Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Proverbs 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.

Day 3: A Message from Tanner and Beth Peake

Day 4: Personal Reflection Prompts

Take some time today to journal and reflect on these questions.

1. Think about how you might give intentional and quality time to the close relationships in your life.
2. Set personal goals to strengthen your relationships with God, family, and friends.
3. Ask the Lord for wisdom on any relational commitments you may need to say “no” or “yes” to this year.

Day 5: A Message from Abraham Lozano, Americas Continental Director

According to the World Health Organization, loneliness has been declared a global public health problem. According to experts, our brain is designed to live in society and create connections with other people. And that is the way the Father designed us. God created us so that man would have a relationship with him. As we carry out the glorious mandate of bringing the gospel to every person in the world, let us not neglect our relationships in order of priority:

1. God: It is easy to fall into excessive activism and forget our relationship with Jesus. Today, it is common to see religious professionalism but little applicability of the scriptures. John 15:5 ends by saying: “…apart from me you can do nothing.”
2. Our family: Let us not neglect our relationship with the members of our home. We can be experts on reaching others for Christ and ultimately lose our family. Our family can grow bitter as they compete with the ministry for our time.
3. Local church: Let us not neglect our relationship with our local church. It is easy to get too busy traveling and visiting churches and ignore our relationship with local believers. Hebrews 10:25 says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Relationships are essential, and this new year can be an excellent opportunity to renew our relationships with the people that matter the most: God, our family, and our church. May God give us the wisdom to do this.

Day 6: Prayer Suggestions

Take time throughout the day to offer these prayers to the Lord.

1. Ask the Lord to give you his heart for those in your life.
2. Ask the Lord to help you steward the relationships in your life and discern how much time and energy you should give each one.
3. Ask the Lord to highlight any relationships he wants to renew or restore in your life.

Day 7: Meditative Prayer

Take time throughout the day to slow down and quietly pray this prayer.

Jesus, help me to love those around me the way you love them.