When there are conflicts or when there is distance in a certain relationship, I may try to blame the other person and hold them at fault. Or I may be able to take an honest look at my own actions and see how I may be contributing to the problem. But what if the source of the issue is rooted, not just in my actions, but in my self-esteem? What if the way I view myself is having a negative impact on my relationship with someone else? What if how I feel about "me" is causing problems for "us"?

So many feuds between families and friends, so many conflicts between nations, so many squabbles between couples could possibly be prevented if one or both parties would choose to forgive the other. And yet the core issue that causes distance and disconnection in many relationships is an inability, or maybe just an unwillingness, to forgive. How do I truly forgive someone who has caused me pain? And how does holding onto bitterness impact my relationships?

There is a significant truth revealed throughout scripture - our words have power. God calls us to use our words wisely because they have the power to give life or to destroy. If I'm experiencing difficulty in a certain relationship, I need to recognize how my words might be impacting that connection. But how can I tell if my words are helping or hindering the growth of this relationship? And what do I do when my words are damaging my connections?

There may be a conflict between the two of us, maybe some resentment, maybe some frustration. And my initial response may be to blame you as the source of the problem. But what if the main reason for our conflict has less to do with your words and your actions (or lack of them) and more to do with my own assumptions about you and about our connection with each other? What do I if my unhealthy expectations are the source of our disconnection?

We all want to have some sense of control over certain events in our lives. We want to feel like we can dictate certain circumstances to our benefit if possible. But what happens when my desire to maintain control ends up infringing on someone else's well-being? I can consciously, or often subconsciously, make a habit of trying to dictate other people's actions and attitudes...and that's a problem. How do I know if I have an unhealthy desire for control? And what can I do to change it?

Over the last few years, there has been a steady decline in the U.S., not just in church attendance, but in church involvement as well. There are so many other things that people devote their time and energy to that getting connected with or volunteering at a church has taken a back seat to other priorities. But is it really important whether I go to church or not? What if I go to church fairly regularly but I don't really participate? Does it matter whether or not church matters to me?

Throughout the centuries of God's relationship with His people, one of the things He consistently challenged them with was their generosity...or their lack of it! God has always wanted His people to have a heart for giving, not just their time and attention, but also their finances and possessions. Why does it matter to the God (who doesn't need my money) whether or not I'm generous with my money? And what does it look like to have a heart that's devoted to giving?

There are a variety of things that people value and are most passionate about, from sports teams to vacation spots to favorite foods and more. It's easy to tell how much a person has a "heart" for something based on the time, energy, or effort they spend devoted to it. But how many of us have a heart for other people - a passion for helping those in need or sharing our faith with those who have none. How can I tell if I have a heart for people? And what can I do if I don't?

Psychologists and sociologists will say that you can tell a person has a heart for something if they have an intense interest or curiosity in it, if they "light up" or get excited when talking about it, if they actively seek opportunities to engage in a certain activity or to spend time with a certain person even if obstacles get in the way. The question is...do any of those characteristics describe my relationship with God? How do I know if I have a heart for God? And what can I do if I don't?

The bridge between Christmas and the new year is a tricky one. How can I reflect on the infant Christ while also preparing my mind, body, and spirit for the coming new year? Diet and Exercise are common goals for the new year, but I would wager that the biggest goal you can set for 2025 is to Treasure Jesus Christ more. Investing in a steady diet of God's word and exercising our faith are two crucial ways that we can learn to behold Christ daily.