SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: GOD’S DESIGN FOR RELATIONSHIPS
Mechelle Holbrook
Today’s Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV
Theme: Whether you are married, dating, or neither, we are all called to seek God’s kingdom first.
WHEN IT’S ALL ABOUT ME
Relationships can be hard—especially in dating and marriage. If we’re honest, a lot of that struggle comes from one simple place: selfishness.
We don’t usually say, “This is all about me,” but our actions can reflect it. I know in my own life, I constantly have to realign my priorities and put God first. And every time I do, my marriage is better. I’m kinder, more patient, and less focused on myself.
NO ONE GAVE US INSTRUCTIONS… OR DID THEY?
When my husband and I first got married, we had no idea what we were doing. We were just two young people, trying to merge two very different lives. His family was different from mine, and everything felt like a learning curve. Wouldn’t it be nice if relationships came with an instruction manual? But let’s be honest—even if they did, we’d probably try to figure it out ourselves first, kind of like assembling furniture. We skip the instructions, get frustrated, mess it up… and only then do we go back and start over—this time the right way.
THE MANUAL WE FORGET TO OPEN
Maybe you’re reading this and your relationship feels hard right now. Maybe it’s time to pull out the instruction manual, because there is one—the Bible. God tells us to seek Him first, and He will take care of the rest (Matthew 6:33). In context, Jesus is teaching about worry—how it doesn’t help or solve anything? And honestly, that applies to relationships, too. What will help? Seeking God first. When we do that, it realigns our hearts. It puts things back in the right order. Loving someone well starts with being rooted in Jesus Christ.
STILL LEARNING
My husband and I have now been married almost 33 years, and I can confidently say—we wouldn’t have made it without Jesus at the center. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect. We still have our days. I’m pretty sure there have been moments he thought a puppy might have been the easier option! But worrying about yesterday or tomorrow has never helped us. What has helped us is the daily choosing to seek God—through prayer, through His Word, and then actually living it out.
Make It Personal: What is one next step you can take in your relationships—whether you’re dating, single, or married—to bring more joy, strength, and peace? Start by spending time with the God of the universe. Seek Him through prayer. Find a quiet place where you can be honest—maybe it’s your car, where no one else can hear you. Open His Word and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to show you what your relationships need right now. Is it more patience? More kindness? More forgiveness? Invite Him to examine your heart and reveal anything that isn’t aligned with His truth. Let Him guide your next step—no matter how small it may seem. Because when you seek Him first, He doesn’t just change your relationship… He changes you. And that changes everything.
Pray: Our Father in heaven, Holy is Your Name. So much of the time, I try to do things my way—even in my marriage. But there is much more joy and peace when I seek You first. I become a better spouse when I put You in Your rightful place. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for designing marriage as a reflection of our relationship with You. Your way is always better. Amen.
Read: Matthew 13:44-46, 22:37-40
Weekly Memory Verse: “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” Genesis 2:18, ESV