June 12, 2026 Devo

Today as I wrote this, Wanda and I celebrate 50 years of marriage. There is much I can say about her, and I will, on my personal Facebook page. But since I know that everyone struggles with relationships (not just marriages), I thought I’d reflect today and share some of the most helpful lessons I’ve learned in the last 50 years. I hope these will be helpful to you.
Good relationships take hard work. Many people just decide to tolerate each other because listening, learning, growing, and changing take work. Make the effort. It’ll be worth it.
It’s usually me. I used to believe that people annoyed or frustrated me because they were flawed. I discovered that most of my relationship difficulties were because I was flawed, not them.
The Devil is at work. One of the greatest discoveries I made was how the Enemy tries to create division in my relationships by planting thoughts in my head. He’s a liar and wants to destroy everything beautiful in my life.
The best apology is changed behavior. I used to say I’m sorry a lot for making the same mistakes/hurts over and over again. God helped me understand that repentance is more than saying, “Sorry,” and expecting people to just get over it. It is a change in the way I live.
I’m the only one I can change. I spent a lot of time through the years trying to change other people. I finally learned I’m not responsible for them. I’m responsible for ME. And I’m the only one I can change.
Manage your stories. The most powerful story in the world is the story I’m telling myself. The stories I believe about myself and the stories I believe about others will shape how I relate to them. Tell yourself better stories, and you’ll have better relationships.
It’s okay to get help. God gave us people to help us figure things out. Pastors, counselors, coaches, and wise friends can sometimes guide us through relational issues we’ve wrestled with for years. You’re only alone in this if you choose to be.
Relationships are a skill. Some people are better at relationships than others. But I discovered that there are skills ALL of us need to learn and ANY of us can. Stop giving yourself an out by saying you “can’t.”
Forgive as you want to be forgiven. I have needed more grace in my life than I have a right to. I need to be as good at giving it as I am at receiving it.
I can’t do this without God. “Unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain.” Wanda and I made it this far only by God’s help. I’ve discovered I need His strength, guidance, and compassion in EVERY relationship I have. He’s the glue we all need.
I encourage you to read our passage today and ask God to speak to you about YOUR relationships. Cherish those close to you. You never know how long you have with them. That’s God’s Word for you today.