My resolution and hope for 2026

Cultivating Our Circles In The Garden of Relationships

In our lives, relationships play a vital role, shaping the way we think, act, and grow, impacting not only our spiritual health but also our emotional and physical well-being. 

Yet, as believers in Christ, we must recognize that not all relationships are created equal, and not all deserve a front-row seat in our hearts (see Matthew 12:46-50 NKJV). The people we surround ourselves with can either nurture our spiritual garden or become the very plants that choke our growth. It’s time we take a bold and assertive stance on the relationship circles we cultivate.

Think of your relationships like a beautiful garden with concentric circles filled with various plants. With love, care, and attention, a garden flourishes, bearing sweet fruits and vibrant blooms. But neglect it, and you’ll return to find it overrun with relentless vegetation. Just as a gardener evaluates the state of her plants, it is crucial that we assess the relationships in our lives. Are they bringing good opportunities, joy, love, and support? Or are they hindering our growth and leading us away from the path God has laid out for us?

Evaluating these circles requires honesty and courage. We need to take time to pray and reflect on the influences in our lives. Are the relationships in our inner circles worthy of those places of honour they occupy, uplifting us, or are they dragging us down? Scripture urges us to pursue relationships that encourage our walk with God. (see 1 Corinthians 15:33 and Amos 3:3 NKJV). If the people closest to us fail to respect or appreciate our worth, it’s time to take action.

This is where the work of rehabilitation — or transplanting — comes into play. It may be uncomfortable, but having direct conversations with individuals about their impact on us can foster understanding and change. Let them know, with grace and love, that certain behaviours are unacceptable and draw boundaries that protect your heart. A respectful dialogue can lead to healing. However, if respect is not reciprocated, it’s time to move or transplant them to an outer circle.

Moving someone to an outer circle does not mean we harbour ill will or bitterness or even cause them harm; it means we’re choosing to spend less or no time with them in order to prioritize our and their well-being and spiritual health. It is a healthy decision in line with God’s design for our lives. We're also not abandoning them in the outer circles, but praying for their healing and for reconciliation if it is possible or beneficial (see Luke 15:11-32 NKJV).

But we don’t have to accept rudeness and disrespect, and neither should we allow negativity, doubt, unbelief, and mockery to infiltrate our inner spaces. I'm sure you too can add more to the list of unacceptable behaviours in relationships. Enough is enough! By increasing the distance between us and those who consistently do not honour us and our decisions or faith, we give them the opportunity to grow and learn the very respect, appreciation, and support we deserve. 

So this year, let us boldly evaluate our relationships and be willing, with God's help and guidance, to transplant those that do not bear good fruit, to allow room for new life. God desires us to live in abundance, and part of that journey involves fostering circles that reflect His love and grace. 

In 2026, let’s work together to cultivate our circles with intention, ensuring our close relationships nurture us, inspire us to grow deeper in Christ with a shared vision and common values, propel us forward in our faith, and allow us to do the same for them. As we take these steps, may we flourish like a well-tended garden, bringing forth the beauty and joy that comes from walking closely with the Lord and surrounding ourselves with those who love Him and us, even if they don't know Him.

So let's get out our spiritual gardening tools! Pray, communicate, and continually assess the foundation and state of our relationships. It’s time to create thriving communities that uplift, respect, and drive everyone involved closer to God’s purpose for our lives. Together, we can cultivate relationship circles that not only enrich our own lives but also shine the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Happy New Year!