⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
How to Live Faithfully in Relationships
By Dave Jenkins | Contending for the Word Q&A
Show Summary
Christian maturity is not proven in isolation. It is revealed in relationships.
In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins answers the question: What does it mean to live faithfully in everyday relationships as a follower of Christ?
Drawing from Ephesians 4:1–3, Colossians 3:12–14, and John 13:34–35, this episode explains how humility, patience, forgiveness, and love shape gospel-centered relationships.
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Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 4:1–3
- Colossians 3:12–14
- John 13:34–35
Episode Highlights
- Christian maturity is revealed in relationships
- Humility strengthens relationships
- Patience and forbearance protect unity
- Forgiveness reflects the gospel
- Truth and love must walk together
Full Episode Overview
Christian maturity is not proven in isolation. It is revealed in relationships. The way believers speak, forgive, listen, serve, and respond to others reveals the true condition of their hearts.
Scripture does not separate personal holiness from relational faithfulness. The gospel transforms not only what believers think, but how they live with others.
Ephesians 4 calls believers to walk in humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities are essential for maintaining unity in relationships. Pride fractures relationships, but humility strengthens them.
Colossians 3 emphasizes compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. Because believers have been forgiven in Christ, they are called to extend that same forgiveness to others.
John 13 reminds us that love is the defining mark of a disciple. But biblical love is not shallow or sentimental. It is rooted in truth and expressed through consistent, sacrificial care for others.
Living faithfully in relationships means reflecting Christ through humility, patience, truth, and forgiveness. This is not optional. It is central to the Christian life.
Takeaways
- Practice humility daily
- Guard your speech carefully
- Forgive quickly and sincerely
- Choose patience over reaction
- Speak truth with love
Call to Action
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
