Is Your Relationship Right or Wrong?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

This verse tells us how to think. Our thinking can lead us into and out of relationships. This verse can also be used to identify right and wrong relationships.

True

Are they true to God, you, and others? Do they live truly for God? Do they truly love you? Do you truly love them?

Honest

Are you honest with each other? Can you trust them? Are there any hidden agendas between you? Do they live honestly. Are they honest? Are they honest in their work? Do they steal from others, whether material items, or ideas, or whatever? Do they bend the truth to fit their needs? Complete honesty is essential for a relationship to be healthy.

Just

Is the relationship just, or right? Are you right for each other, whether you are dating, coworkers, classmates, and so on. Not everyone is right for you. Yes, we are to love all people, but you must know how far a relationship should or shouldn’t go. Obviously, if you are already married, God’s will is for you to make it work.

Pure

Do the two of you have pure hearts and motives? Why are you in this relationship? Is it to get or to give?

Lovely

Is the relationship based on love? Use I Corinthians 13 as a love test to determine where each of you are in regard to this. We are not to condemn each other, but help one another out. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Without love, there is no relationship worth speaking of.

Good Report

Are they positive or negative? What report do they bring? Do they lift you up or tear you down? How do they speak of others? What kind of conversations do you have together? Can you talk the Word, Jesus, and the things of God?

Virtue

This refers to moral goodness and being pleasing to God in conduct. It is moral excellence and goodness of action. Are you good for each other? Do you influence each other to live morally?

Praise/ Praiseworthy

This refers to something or someone who is worthy of praise, applause, commendation, one of good reputation. Can you speak well of the relationship? Is it praiseworthy? Is the other person of good reputation? Is your relationship commendable? What kind of fruit does it produce? Can you praise God for the relationship?

We can use the identifiers noted in this verse to figure out the type of relationships we are in, and to determine who we will have in our lives. As we stay in Christ, we can make good relationship choices.