Through Relationships
Relationships are one of the most formative parts of everyday life. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors, our relationships reveal our patterns of love, communication, conflict, and trust. They can be a source of deep joy—but they can also expose wounds, fears, and unresolved pain.
Following Jesus in our relationships doesn’t mean avoiding conflict or maintaining surface-level peace. It means learning to love with humility, speak truth with grace, forgive honestly, and pursue reconciliation where possible. This page is here to help you reflect on how relationships are shaping you—and how God may be inviting you into deeper maturity and wholeness.
Self-Reflection on Relationships
Relationships shape our hearts over time. This reflection can help you notice where God is forming you—or where something may be off.
Signs of Healthy Formation
- You grow in patience, empathy, and understanding
- Conflict is addressed honestly rather than avoided or escalated
- Boundaries are practiced with clarity and grace
- Forgiveness is pursued, even when it’s difficult
- Love becomes more self-giving than self-protective
Signs Something Is Off
- Unresolved conflict leads to distance, resentment, or bitterness
- Fear of rejection keeps you from honesty or vulnerability
- Control, people-pleasing, or withdrawal replaces healthy connection
- Past wounds shape present relationships without being addressed
- Forgiveness feels impossible or unnecessary
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
— EPHESIANS 4:2-3
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
— COLOSSIANS 3:13
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
— ROMANS 12:18
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
— PROVERBS 17:17
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
— MATTHEW 5:23-24
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
— 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
— JAMES 1:19-20
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
— JOHN 13:34-35
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
— PSALM 133:1
Help for Real Life, Shaped by Truth
Healthy relationships require wisdom, humility, and intentional growth. These resources are designed to help you navigate conflict, communication, boundaries, and forgiveness in ways that reflect the love and truth of Jesus.
Focus on the Family: Relationships
The Boundless ‘Relationships’ collection offers Christ-centered articles, podcasts, and blog teaching that help young adults pursue healthy, purposeful relationships —…
The Godly Dating 101
A book that offers encouragement and practical guidance for dating believers rooted in Scripture.
Life With Others
The Boundless ‘Life with Others’ section offers biblically grounded articles and insights that help believers grow in healthy, grace-filled relationships…
A classic Christian book that invites singles to trust God’s timing and design for love and relationships.
A bestselling book by Francis & Lisa Chan teaching that a thriving marriage flows from focusing on God together first.
A book by Elisabeth Elliot offering a deeply reflective Christian perspective on pursuing love, purity, and God’s direction.
Reflects on how God designed us for meaningful connection with Him and others.
Biblical insight, tools, and community for singles navigating relationships.
The Boundless ‘Dating’ section provides biblically grounded articles and practical encouragement to help Christian singles pursue dating with purpose, purity,…
The Boundless ‘Marriage Prep’ section offers Scripture-centered guidance, checklists, and conversations designed to help engaged couples build a strong, gospel-rooted…
Practical biblical advice from Focus on the Family for singles seeking healthy relationships and God’s will.
What Often Makes Relationships Harder
How God Often Uses Relationships to Form Us
Take a Next Step in Relationships
We're Here To Help Guide You & Answer Your Questions
Relational challenges can feel isolating or overwhelming. Talking with a pastor, mentor, or trusted leader can help you process what’s happening and discern a wise next step.
We Saved A Seat For You
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)
Relationships play a central role in everyday life, shaping how people experience connection, conflict, and belonging. At Sonrise Church in Santee and East County San Diego, we believe Jesus meets us in the realities of relationships, offering healing, wisdom, and transformation.
Many people in Santee, Lakeside, and El Cajon struggle with relational tension, broken trust, or unresolved conflict. Following Jesus in relationships means learning to forgive, set healthy boundaries, and pursue peace without avoiding truth or responsibility.
Sonrise Church walks alongside individuals and families throughout East County San Diego who are seeking biblical guidance and support for relationships. Wherever you find yourself relationally, there is hope, help, and a way forward as you follow Jesus in everyday life.