GODLY VS. WORLDLY RELATIONSHIPS "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" – 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) Relationships play a significant role in shaping our lives, influencing our decisions, values, and growth. The Bible makes a clear distinction between godly relationships, which honor Christ, and worldly relationships, which follow human desires apart from God. As believers, we are called to be intentional about the connections we form, ensuring that they align with God’s will and purpose for our lives. A godly relationship is rooted in Christ and pursues holiness, love, and mutual growth. Whether in friendships, dating, or marriage, godly relationships encourage faithfulness, integrity, and selflessness. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." When we surround ourselves with people who love God, we grow stronger in our walk with Him. In contrast, worldly relationships often promote selfishness, impurity, and compromise, leading us away from God’s best. The danger of being unequally yoked is that it creates a conflict of values. When one person follows Christ and the other does not, their priorities, decisions, and desires will clash. Amos 3:3 asks, "Can two walk together unless they agree?" A believer’s foundation is Christ, but a worldly relationship prioritizes temporary pleasures over eternal truths. This misalignment can weaken faith, hinder progress, and even lead to disobedience. However, living in a world full of diverse relationships does not mean we should isolate ourselves. Jesus engaged with sinners, but He never compromised His righteousness (Luke 5:32). The key is to be a light, influencing the world rather than allowing it to influence us (Matthew 5:14-16). God calls us to love everyone, but our closest relationships (the ones that shape our hearts and decisions) should be grounded in faith. If you find yourself in relationships that pull you away from God, ask Him for wisdom and take practical/proactive steps as you evaluate whether such friendships, dating relationships, or partnerships reflect His truth. Seek to build relationships that encourage righteousness, accountability, and a deeper love for Christ. Godly relationships are not just about compatibility; they are about pursuing God together. When Christ is the foundation, relationships become a source of strength, joy, and spiritual blessing. Meditate! Are my closest relationships helping or hindering my walk with Christ? Pray! Lord, help me to cultivate relationships that honor You. Give me wisdom to discern connections that strengthen my faith and courage to step away from those that lead me astray. Let my life be a testimony of Your love. Amen. Act! Assess your closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to Christ? If not, take intentional steps to surround yourself with people who encourage godliness and spiritual growth. Read! Proverbs 27:17, Amos 3:3, Matthew 5:14-16, Luke 5:32, 1 Corinthians 15:33. When you choose godly relationships, you choose to walk in alignment with God’s purpose for your life. Stay connected to Christ, and let His love guide every relationship you build! SpiritWord × February 23, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu. = Thank you for receiving The Word. To get it directly on WhatsApp, please follow our channel http://bit.ly/40W151F. Join us next Thursday online via https://bit.ly/41dqnIJ or onsite at 5:30pm (WAT) as we gather for another DEEPDIVE. You can also be part of CAMPUS KINGDOM DECREES every Thursday at 4am (WAT). Don’t miss it! For Counselling and/or Intercession, kindly mail [email protected]. Know someone looking to build a solid foundation in their Christian walk? Encourage them to join the Believers' Foundational Class! For details, email [email protected]. To get updates, partner/donate and other inquiries related to our ministry operations, please reach us via mail or Whatsapp. See you at 20:45 (NGR) for BUILDUP. https://bit.ly/4jDJORV.