Discernment and Courage

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; PHILIPPIANS 1:9-11

After months of training, I was ready to run my first 5K. I invited someone I’ll call Flora to race too. She liked to run and agreed to join me. I looked forward to challenging myself and spending time with Flora. Back then, I mentored young women in their faith in Christ. Flora had joined my Bible study, and I wanted to get to know her better. This could be a good opportunity for that.

Before the race, Flora mentioned a comment that her boyfriend, who I’ll call Eric, had made about her. She tried to laugh it off, but it sounded hurtful. In fact, Eric seemed to make discouraging comments to Flora often. I wondered if their relationship was unhealthy.

“Flora, do you feel secure in your relationship?” I asked on our way to the race.

“Hmm…I’ll have to think about that,” she answered.

We didn’t discuss this again for a while. But later she surprised me. “Remember you asked if I felt secure in my relationship?” Flora said. “I thought about that and realized I didn’t. I broke up with Eric.”

I hadn’t aimed to break them up. I just wanted the best for Flora. And now, I felt relieved to see her more at peace and more content.

Flora had put her trust in Jesus to forgive her sins and give her a new life with God. I wanted the best for her as she grew in her faith, but—even more—God wanted His best for Flora too. When we enter a relationship with God, He becomes our Father. He desires the best for His children, and that extends to our relationships with others. Sometimes God brings good into our lives by giving us joyful, loving relationships. Other times, He grants us wisdom through His Spirit to leave relationships that cause harm. Through it all, we can trust His unfailing love for us. • Allison Wilson Lee

• Which relationships in your life build you up? Consider taking a moment to thank God for these.

• Can you think of any relationships that tear you down? What steps might God be inviting you to take to love with “knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9)? Do you need to have some honest conversations to address the problems? Is there someone you need to take a step away from, at least for a time? Consider taking a moment to ask God for guidance; He wants to lead you. Additionally, who are trusted Christians in your life you can share your concerns with—people who’ll listen with compassion and help you discern God’s direction?

This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9 (WEB)