Encouragement and Accountability: Supporting Your Partner in Faith When You’re Starting as Friends Firstಮಾದರಿ

Day 1: Communication and Values

Starting a relationship rooted in faith is like building a house on solid ground. When friendship is the foundation, there's already trust and familiarity, making it even more special. But to grow in faith together, you need to focus on two essential pillars — open communication and shared values.

First, let's talk about communication. It’s the heartbeat of any meaningful relationship. If you're going to support each other in faith, you need to create a safe space for honest conversations. It's about being real. Share where you’re at spiritually, including your struggles, questions, and hopes. Maybe you're working through doubts, or you’ve set a new goal, like praying daily. Whatever it is, your partner should feel like they can open up without fear of judgment. Be intentional about listening — not just hearing, but really understanding what they’re saying.

Here’s a good starting point: set aside time each week to have those deeper talks. Think of it as a “faith check-in." Ask each other questions like, “What’s God been teaching you lately?” or “How can I encourage you in your walk with Him?” When you approach these conversations with honesty and transparency, you build trust. And trust is critical when you’re growing in faith together.

The second key is identifying shared values. Spend some time reflecting on what your faith means to both of you. What are the core principles you live by? Is it servanthood, kindness, humility, or something else? Being aligned on these deeper beliefs gives your relationship a purpose bigger than yourselves. It also helps in making decisions that honor God as a team. But don’t just stop there — celebrate the values you both agree on while also respecting the differences in how you might express your faith.

Communication and values go hand in hand. Without honest dialogue, it’s easy to assume you’re in sync when you’re not. Without shared values, it becomes harder to support one another fully in faith.

Today, take a moment to reflect on how you communicate and what values you hold dear. Pray together, asking God to guide your conversations and deepen the connection between your hearts and His. This is the first step toward growing a strong, faith-filled partnership.