The power of commitment to growth and service in building a healthy relationship is deeply rooted in biblical wisdom. When we commit to growing both individually and together and prioritize serving one another, we follow the example set by Jesus Christ, who came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45). This focus on growth and service strengthens relationships, promotes mutual respect, and deepens emotional and spiritual bonds.
1. Commitment to Growth: Spiritual, Emotional, and Relational
In a biblical context, growth isn’t just about becoming better versions of ourselves, it’s about becoming more like Christ. In relationships, whether romantic or platonic, growth encompasses three main aspects:
a. Spiritual Growth
- Seeking God’s Will: In any healthy relationship, the individuals should commit to growing in their faith, together. This means intentionally seeking God’s will for your lives and your relationship. Jesus is the center of all Christian relationships, and a shared commitment to spiritual growth strengthens the bond between people (Matthew 6:33).
- Example of Christ: Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to grow in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). By following Christ, we seek to become more like Him every day, and this transformation impacts the way we relate to others.
- Encouragement in Faith: Supporting each other’s spiritual growth can be one of the most powerful aspects of a healthy relationship. Regularly praying together, reading Scripture, and discussing spiritual topics help partners grow in their faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Practical Tip: Encourage each other to read Scripture, pray together, and engage in church or ministry activities that deepen both your faith and your connection.
b. Emotional Growth
- Emotional Maturity: The Bible speaks of the importance of maturing in our emotions and responses. Emotional growth is essential for navigating conflict and understanding each other. Proverbs 4:23 encourages us to guard our hearts, as they are the wellspring of life. Emotional maturity means being aware of your own emotions and managing them in a healthy way.
- Managing Conflict: Learning to handle disagreement in a godly way is a crucial part of emotional growth. The Bible teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). In conflict, we must exercise patience, understanding, and a willingness to forgive (Ephesians 4:26-27).
- Supporting Each Other’s Emotional Health: A healthy relationship is one in which both individuals care for each other’s emotional well-being. A person’s emotional health often reflects their spiritual health, and mutual support for each other’s struggles creates a safe space in the relationship.
Practical Tip: Make time to talk through emotions, especially when you’re feeling hurt or stressed. Practicing active listening is key—without jumping to fix problems immediately.
c. Relational Growth
- Building Trust and Intimacy: Relationships grow when both people commit to being open, vulnerable, and trustworthy. The Bible teaches that love is built on trust (1 Corinthians 13:7). True intimacy, whether in a friendship or romantic relationship, can only thrive in an environment of honesty, trust, and shared experiences.
- Becoming a Team: Healthy relationships are not about competition, but cooperation. The Bible says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Whether it’s in marriage or friendship, when two people work together and support each other’s individual and mutual goals, they experience exponential growth.
Practical Tip: Regularly evaluate your relationship and ask each other how you can improve. Celebrate milestones, whether big or small, as a couple or friends, and intentionally invest in your bond.