3 Essential Biblical Principles for Healthy Relationships

By Cindee Johnson
Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner

Healthy relationships don’t just magically happen--even at the most wonderful time of the year. Maybe, especially at the most wonderful time of the year. Whether it is marriage, friendship, dating, co-workers, family, or your church community, relationships require intentionality to grow and thrive.  
As we move into a new year, many of us set goals. We want to improve our health, our finances, our faith, our careers. But, what about our relationships? Do we pour into those?  
Let’s look at three essential biblical principles for healthy relationships with practical ways to live them out. ​

God’s Word tells us relationships are not something we simply wander into and through. Instead they are something we must care for and nurture with intentionality, grace and love. 

1. Love that is lived out.  

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV 

It’s just this kind of love that forms healthy relationships.  

Sacrificially. 
Patiently. 
Kindly. 
Forgiving. 
Honoring. 
Protective. 
Trusting. 
Faithful. 
Hopeful. 
Unfailing. 

That kind of love is not a feeling. That kind of love is not an emotion. It is visible. It is biblical.  
Biblical love is lived out through faithful action in practical ways.  

Have you ever been in situations where patience is a challenge or emotions are high? Of course. We all have. Make it a habit to pause before responding. Even a single breath can shift a conversation. 

Ask yourself, “What does love look like in this situation?” Then choose to respond in kindness over reaction.  

Our words hold power. How we say them can fuel a fire or heal a heart. Even hard conversations can be handled with honor and care.  

2. Love that is Grace-Filled and Sacrificial 
 
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIV  

Do you make room for grace in conversations? Do you listen to hear the heart of the other or are you forming your response even as another speaks? When we make room for grace, trust builds and connection deepens.  

Scripture is filled with wisdom, direction, and examples of how to intentionally love one another as Jesus loves us. It’s a kind of love often overlooked--even ignored--in our me-first culture. 

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV 

That’s sacrificial. And, in healthy relationships it is evident.  

We are bombarded from every direction to focus on self, while biblically God calls us to lift up others, honor others, put the needs of others before our own. Yes, that can take some work.  

Because even in relationships with the people we hold dearest, feelings get hurt. Mistakes are made. A harsh word is spoken. Misunderstandings occur.  
 
3. Love that is Forgiving 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV 

In healthy relationships, forgiveness is not the exception, it is the practiced norm.  

Take inventory. In your relationships, do you admit when you are wrong? Seek forgiveness? Make amends? Do you let go of unforgiveness when you have been hurt?  

Often, we hold onto unforgiveness as if we are punishing the one who hurt us. In reality, by not forgiving others, we only hurt ourselves. Forgiveness doesn’t mean the hurt never happened. Instead, through Christ, it offers the freedom to heal.  

As this new year nears, we have an opportunity to be as intentional with our relationships as some are with resolutions. Consider choosing one relationship you will pour into, one practical change you want to make, one conversation you want to approach differently.  

And, may we choose in all our relationships, love that reflects Christ--that is lived out in faith and filled with hope.  

“Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 13 NLT ​