“I used to think relationships would only get better if the other person changed. But as I started chewing on God’s love and forgiveness, I found my own heart softening—and real connection growing—even in hard places.”
Why Relationships Can Be So Hard
Whether it’s family tension, friendship drama, marriage struggles, or workplace conflict, relationships can be the source of our deepest joy—and our deepest pain. We long for connection, but old wounds, misunderstandings, and impatience can keep us stuck in cycles of distance or frustration.
The good news? God’s love isn’t just for our private life—it’s the power that can heal, restore, and transform our relationships from the inside out.
How to CHEW for Healing and Real Connection
1. Confess—Be Honest About the Struggle
- “God, I’m hurt, angry, or disappointed with someone I care about.”
- “I want to forgive, but it feels impossible.”
- “I’m tired of the same arguments or distance.”
- Brief Prayer: “Lord, meet me in my relationships. Show me where I need Your love, patience, or forgiveness.”
2. Hear—Let God’s Word Speak to Your Heart
- “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- “Love is patient, love is kind… it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
- “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
- Brief Prayer: “Holy Spirit, help me hear Your truth about love and forgiveness.”
3. Exchange—Chew on a Relationship-Restoring Question
- “If I really believed God has forgiven me fully, how would that change my willingness to forgive others?”
- “If I really believed God’s love is patient with me, how would that change my patience with those around me?”
- “If I really believed God sees and cares about this relationship, how would that change the way I respond today?”
- Brief Prayer: “Jesus, soften my heart and help me love like You do—even when it’s hard.”
4. Walk—Take a Step Toward Restoration
- Pause before a difficult conversation and pray your chew question.
- Choose to forgive, even if it’s just in your heart at first.
- Reach out with a kind word, a listening ear, or a small act of service.
- Share your struggle with a trusted friend and ask them to pray for your relationship.
- Brief Prayer: “Father, help me take one step toward healing and connection today.”
Mini Story
“Last month, I was stuck in resentment toward a family member. Every conversation felt tense. One morning, I chewed on the question, “If I really believed God has forgiven me, how would that change my attitude toward them?” I prayed, and God gave me the courage to send a simple, kind text. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it opened the door for a real conversation—and a little more peace.”
One-Day Focus: Restoring Relationships (Day 4 of the 7-Day CHEW Challenge)
Today, focus your CHEW practice on a relationship that needs healing, patience, or forgiveness.
Pause at least three times—before an interaction, after a conflict, or when you feel distant.
Write down or share one moment when you noticed God’s love making a difference in your connection with someone else.
Invite a friend or family member to join you, and pray for each other’s relationships throughout the day.
Ready for more?
Continue your CHEW journey with the next blog in the series: “Battling Shame and Embracing God’s Affirmation.”
See how God’s love can set you free from shame and help you walk in the confidence of His affirmation.
You can see our previous post in this series here.
Transparency Note: This series is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
