The Principles You’re Already Living By

Scripture: Ephesians 4:32

Every person already lives by relationship principles.

You may not have them written down. You may not even be aware of them. But the way you respond when offended… the way you handle disappointment… the way you react in conflict — all of it reveals the principles guiding your heart.

The real question isn’t whether you have relationship principles.

It’s whose principles are shaping you.

Left to ourselves, we tend to operate from pride, self-protection, and emotional reaction. But the Gospel invites us into something higher — a Spirit-led way of relating that reflects the heart of Jesus.

Paul’s instruction is clear: be kind, compassionate, and forgiving — not because people deserve it, but because Christ forgave us.

When the Gospel truly grips your heart, it begins to reshape your reflexes. You pause quicker. You forgive faster. You assume better. You fight for people instead of against them.

Today is a good day to ask:

What principle guided my last conflict — the Gospel… or my feelings?

Prayer:

Lord, examine my heart. Where my natural responses don’t reflect You, reshape me. Teach me to live relationships the Gospel way. Amen.