https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/rss.xml Relationships Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Mon, 25 May 2026 20:15:38 -0400 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/should-christians-use-matchmakers-and-dating-coaches.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/should-christians-use-matchmakers-and-dating-coaches.html Cally Logan https://www.crosswalk.com/author/cally-logan/ In an era of complex and frustrating digital dating, explore whether seeking a matchmaker or dating coach aligns with a Christian approach to finding a life partner. We need God's help to illuminate the path to a fulfilling relationship, whether it's through traditional methods or modern assistance. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:15:31 -0400 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/8-ways-to-become-a-better-friend-and-partner-through-ephesians-49.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/8-ways-to-become-a-better-friend-and-partner-through-ephesians-49.html Judy McEachran https://www.crosswalk.com/author/judy-mceachran/ One of the great privileges of the Christian life is not simply believing in Jesus but living in a relationship with Him. Jesus did not call people merely to follow rules or adopt religious habits; He invited them into friendship. “I have called you friends,” He said, “for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). To know Jesus is to walk with Him, trust Him, and join Him in His redemptive purposes.Being welcomed into God's Kingdom is entirely an act of grace. Through Christ, believers receive forgiveness of sins, are declared righteous before God, and begin a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. Like a seed planted in good soil, new life begins quietly, then grows steadily—roots forming beneath the surface long before fruit appears. The letter to the Ephesians was written to help believers understand both who they are in Christ and how to live out that identity into maturing unity as the body of Christ. Paul's emphasis on spiritual maturity was especially vital for believers living in Ephesus—a city steeped in pagan and occult practices. His call to "live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1) wasn't abstract theology; it was urgent, practical instruction for Christians surrounded by spiritual darkness.Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Omar Lopez Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:19:51 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/are-you-loving-people-the-way-jesus-loved-you.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/are-you-loving-people-the-way-jesus-loved-you.html Clarence L. Haynes Jr. https://www.crosswalk.com/author/clarence-l-haynes-jr/ It is one thing to love someone the way you love yourself. It is completely different to love someone the way Jesus loves you. This begs me to ask - how has Jesus loved you? Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:48:26 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/ways-to-navigate-disagreements-with-friends-without-losing-love.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/ways-to-navigate-disagreements-with-friends-without-losing-love.html Cally Logan https://www.crosswalk.com/author/cally-logan/ Friendships are a precious gift in this world, but a spirit of division can quickly destroy even long-standing relationships. The key when disagreeing with a friend is to navigate conversations and situations intentionally. You can disagree with someone and not lose the love that has been cultivated between the two of you.Photo credit: ©Gettyimages/IURII KRASILNIKOV Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:05:00 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/community-is-a-gift-not-your-source.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/community-is-a-gift-not-your-source.html Gina Smith https://www.crosswalk.com/author/gina-smith/ Discover the vital role of community in faith, as biblical teachings and personal experiences reveal its purpose: to strengthen our reliance on God, not create dependence on people. Explore how true biblical community sharpens us and prepares us to stand firm in faith, even when relationships shift or disappear, by anchoring us in the unchanging truth of God. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:48:48 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/why-a-dry-spell-in-dating-isnt-a-bad-thing.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/why-a-dry-spell-in-dating-isnt-a-bad-thing.html Liz Lampkin https://www.crosswalk.com/author/liz-lampkin/ When dating feels silent, God may be doing His deepest work. Learn how to use this quiet season to reset your emotions, hear His voice, and find clarity about your worth and future. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:05:28 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/things-to-do-when-you-cant-fix-a-relationship.html https://www.crosswalk.com/slideshows/things-to-do-when-you-cant-fix-a-relationship.html Britt Mooney https://www.crosswalk.com/author/britt-mooney/ When a rift occurs between two parties, returning to a healthy relationship requires both to do the reconciliation work willingly. Depending on the circumstance, this can be difficult. Both parties may be at fault, and there may be legitimate abuse or wounds to deal with.Reconciliation is complicated, but we should pursue it if possible. God revealed how much he desired reconciliation through Christ. God revealed a way to return to a proper relationship with Him when God the Son forgave and sacrificed himself, though he had no fault. Reconciling to God through Jesus allows us to live again as one with God in truth.God desires reconciliation with everyone, but He will not force us to reconcile. The fact that God sent his only Son so that “whoever will believe” would have eternal life highlights how God allows a choice—for eternal reconciliation and for earthly reconciliation.Not only do we have a choice to pursue reconciliation with others. We have a loving father who understands if we can’t achieve reconciliation in these relationships. When we face a broken relationship that needs reconciliation and can’t reach it, we do not need to feel ashamed. We do need to consider how to move forward.Here are seven things to do when you can’t fix a relationship.Photo credit: ©Gettyimages/IURII KRASILNIKOV Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-honor-a-father-and-mother-who-havent-acted-honorably.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-honor-a-father-and-mother-who-havent-acted-honorably.html Blair Parke https://www.crosswalk.com/author/blair-parke/ What God calls us to do in honoring our parents is to honor what a mother and a father are supposed to be in our lives, honoring first the most loving Father in our lives, God. Loving Him first allows us to see ways we can love and honor our parents even if they haven’t been honorable to us. Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-forgive-and-set-biblical-boundaries.html https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-forgive-and-set-biblical-boundaries.html Britt Mooney https://www.crosswalk.com/author/britt-mooney/ Setting boundaries has become a constant topic among mental health care professionals and counselors. As people deal with family or coworkers, abuses happen. These counselors encourage individuals to set healthy boundaries with those who have “crossed a line,” as it were. At the same time, the Bible tells us to forgive others. Looking at God as a model, this forgiveness seems radical and limitless. However, we also must consider how radical forgiveness interacts with setting boundaries with people. Does our forgiveness necessitate removing healthy boundaries? We can find guidance on this question when we look to the scriptures which will help us learn how to maintain both.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/eclipse_images Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:05:00 -0500 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/amy-grant-and-gay-weddings.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/relationships/amy-grant-and-gay-weddings.html Becket Cook Becket Cook looks at the story of Amy Grant hosting her niece’s lesbian wedding on her farm. Amy calls it love, but what is love according to the Bible?  Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:05:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:15:38-04:00