Navigating Challenges in Christian Friendships and RelationshipsIhe Atụ

Day 1: What Would Jesus Do?

All relationships will come across some challenges at one point or another. When you’re experiencing a hard time with a friend, the best thing to ask yourself is, “What would Jesus do?” By following Jesus’ example, we can navigate challenges in our friendships with grace and love.

Remember how Jesus taught us to love each other in John 15:9-17. Jesus taught that love is the key, and His love is the kind that sticks around, no matter what, even when you’re upset or confused.

Loving like Jesus means being there for your friends, forgiving them when they mess up, and showing kindness even when you're not in the mood. It's not just about saying nice things — it's about being a good friend through your actions. You know how Jesus laid down His life for His friends? While we don't need to do something so huge, being present and supportive can make a big difference.

Friendship, like anything, needs a little TLC. Spend time with your friends, really listen to them, and share your thoughts, too. Jesus was all about listening and understanding, and we can learn a lot from that. It's about finding ways to be there for each other through the good times and the hard ones.

When you approach challenges in your friendships in a Christ-like manner, you open the door to deeper understanding and trust. By loving like Jesus, you transform tough times into opportunities for growth. You and your friends learn to support each other more fully, creating a bond that can withstand any storm. Through patience and forgiveness, your friendship becomes a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard. As you walk together in love and grace, you not only strengthen your connection with each other but also grow closer to the example Jesus set for us all.

This also works in romantic relationships! Asking “What would Jesus do?” when you’re facing a challenging moment can help you remember to be patient, forgiving, and understanding. Just like with friends, being open and honest helps build a strong connection. By loving like Jesus, both friendships and romantic partnerships can flourish.