Building happy, stable relationships is hard work. To succeed, we need a trustworthy set of blueprints to guide us. We can’t go with what we see in the world, with its estranged marriages and broken friendships. Our best strategy is to use God’s Word as a guide.

Everything in the natural realm starts in the supernatural realm. Criticism is one of the biggest threats to a relationship, but it doesn’t just appear in a vacuum—it’s actually caused by a critical spirit. In the midst of a disagreement, it’s easy to criticize the other person. However, we must let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths, but only that which edifies; in this way, we minister grace to the hearer.

Criticism can cause us to judge others. No one is perfect, and to God, speaking evil about someone and judging them is the same as speaking evil of the law and judging it. Under grace, the law He refers to is the royal law of love; love doesn’t boast, isn’t proud, and keeps no record of wrongs.

Pride is another pitfall to avoid, because it allows a critical spirit to damage the relationship. Pride gives us a false mindset that we’re better than someone else. It was what caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven; God sternly warns us against it. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

The happiest relationships are free from criticism and judgment. They allow both people to thrive and grow in an emotionally safe environment. This is what God wants for us. Letting Him equip us to build them guarantees our success.

Prayer:

Lord, You’re a relational God. You greatly value a personal relationship with us, and You want us to have happy relationships with others. Thank You for giving us Your Word to teach us how to cultivate them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Ephesians 4:29

Matthew 7:1, 2

James 4:11

James 2:8

1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, NIV

Proverbs 16:18