June 18

Day 10: How My Faith Can Reframe My Relationships

Theme: Loving Others the Way Christ Loves

Scripture Readings:
📖 2 Corinthians 8:1–9 – “They gave themselves first to the Lord… that by His poverty you might become rich.”
📖 Matthew 5:43–48 – “Love your enemies… be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Reflection:

Sometimes when we look back at our relationships, especially the hard ones, we are tempted to see them through the lens of lack—what we didn’t receive, how we were hurt, how we didn’t measure up. But today’s scriptures shift that lens. In 2 Corinthians, we hear about the Macedonian churches—who, even in their poverty and affliction, overflowed with generosity. They gave not from abundance but from trust in God, and “they gave themselves first to the Lord.”

Jesus challenges us in the Gospel to do the same—to love beyond what seems reasonable, even to love our enemies. This is not a call to accept abuse or remain in unsafe situations. Rather, it’s an invitation to release the bitterness we may carry and allow God to help us grow in love, even from the wounds of our past.

Faith gives us a new way to look at those painful stories—not as failures, but as offerings. When we love from a place of grace, even in moments when we received little in return, we are participating in the very love of Christ—who gave everything, even His life, for those who did not yet love Him back.

Action/Practice:

Think of one past relationship where you tried to love well but were met with difficulty or rejection. Ask God to show you how He sees that effort, and how it may have shaped your faith. If possible, bless that person in prayer today.

Daily Goal:

Offer one act of love today—without needing to be understood, appreciated, or repaid. Let it be a reflection of God’s love through you.

Journal Prompt:

"How has my faith helped me love when it wasn’t easy? Can I begin to see those experiences not as wasted, but as seeds sown in grace?"