Living Courageously: Embracing Love, Respect, and Responsibility

Devotional

Day 1: Love Sacrificially as Christ Loved the Church

True love in relationships is selfless, sacrificial, and gives the best of oneself, just as Christ gave Himself for the church. This kind of love is not based on conditions or fleeting feelings, but is a conscious decision to honor, respect, and cherish your partner through both their strengths and weaknesses. It means loving the good and the bad, being patient as your mate grows, and striving to balance each other’s shortcomings with grace. When you choose to love sacrificially, you mirror the love Christ has for us, setting a foundation for a thriving relationship. [26:34]

Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience your sacrificial love today, and what is one specific way you can show them love that costs you something?

Day 2: Respect with Words and Surroundings

Respect is demonstrated not only in what you say but also in how you say it and who you surround yourself with. Your words have the power to build up or tear down your mate, and your tone reveals the true level of respect you hold for them. Additionally, the company you keep and the boundaries you set with friends outside your home can either strengthen or undermine your relationship. Choose to speak life, encouragement, and honor, and be intentional about creating an environment that protects and uplifts your relationship. [30:12]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally use your words or your choice of company today to show greater respect to your spouse or loved one?

Day 3: Take Responsibility for Spiritual and Practical Growth

A thriving relationship requires each person to take responsibility for both the spiritual and practical well-being of the family. This means being present, setting the tone for faith, and ensuring that everyone is encouraged and supported in their walk with God. It also involves practical responsibilities like managing finances, planning family time, and making sure the needs of the household are met. When each person steps up and does their part, the relationship is strengthened and everyone is empowered to grow. [39:18]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of responsibility—spiritual or practical—that you can step up in today to help your relationship or family thrive?

Day 4: Reflect on How You Nourish and Cherish Each Other

Healthy relationships require regular reflection on how you are providing for, nourishing, and cherishing one another. Just as the church is called to reflect Christ, couples are called to reflect each other’s love and care. Take time to consider how you are meeting your partner’s needs, helping them grow, and showing appreciation for who they are. When you reflect on the goodness of God and the goodness of your mate, it deepens your gratitude and strengthens your bond. [47:35]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: In what specific way can you show your partner or a loved one that you cherish and appreciate them today?

Day 5: Be Intentional to Avoid Relationship Killers

Relationships do not thrive by accident; they require intentional effort to avoid the pitfalls of disrespect, irresponsibility, and lack of reflection. By being proactive in respecting, taking responsibility, and reflecting on your relationship, you guard against the things that can slowly erode your connection. Make it your goal to build up your relationship daily, seeking God’s wisdom and strength to become all He has called you to be together. [49:51]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

Reflection: What is one “relationship killer” you need to address or guard against today, and what step will you take to protect your relationship from it?

Sermon Summary

We find ourselves halfway through the year, and June is a powerful reminder that Jesus never did anything halfway—He gave His all, and so should we. This is a time to re-evaluate, to finish the year stronger, and to live courageously in every area of our lives, including our health, our families, and our relationships. Men, especially, are encouraged to take responsibility for their well-being, not just for themselves but for those who love and depend on them. Stewardship over our health and resources is a spiritual matter, and we are called to be intentional about caring for ourselves and those entrusted to us.

Turning to relationships, the call is clear: God places a unique responsibility on men to set the spiritual tone in their homes, but every member of the family has a role to play. Many of us have not had perfect examples of godly relationships, but that does not mean we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past. Instead, we are invited to learn, to grow, and to be intentional about building relationships that honor God and reflect His love.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 remind us that love is not just a feeling but a sacrificial, selfless decision. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church—giving their best, loving through the good and the bad, and respecting their spouse’s unique qualities. Respect is demonstrated not only in our words but also in the company we keep and the environment we create at home. Our relationships thrive when we are present, when we take responsibility for spiritual and practical matters, and when we reflect on how we are nourishing and cherishing one another.

A lack of respect, responsibility, and reflection are “relationship killers.” We must be intentional about speaking life, being present, and appreciating our loved ones. Just as the church is called to reflect Christ, our relationships should reflect the love, sacrifice, and grace we have received from God. Let us strive to be people who build up, who take responsibility, and who cherish those God has placed in our lives, so that our homes and relationships become a testimony of God’s goodness and love.

Key Takeaways

1. True love in relationships is sacrificial and intentional, modeled after Christ’s love for the church. It is not based on fleeting feelings or conditional acceptance, but on a daily decision to give your best, even when it is difficult. This kind of love embraces both the strengths and the quirks of your partner, choosing to honor their unique identity while encouraging growth. The call is to love through the process, not just the product. [26:34]
2. Respect is foundational and is expressed through both our words and our actions. The way we speak to and about our loved ones reveals the depth of our respect, and our choice of friends and environments can either build up or undermine our relationships. Respect means valuing your partner’s dignity, being mindful of your tone, and protecting the sanctity of your relationship from negative outside influences. [27:29]
3. Responsibility in relationships goes beyond traditional roles; it is about spiritual leadership, presence, and intentional care. Men are called to set the spiritual climate, but every person in the home must take ownership of their part in nurturing faith, emotional health, and practical needs. Being present—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is essential for a thriving relationship, and neglect in this area can erode trust and connection. [34:00]
4. Reflection is a discipline that keeps relationships healthy and growing. Regularly considering how you are providing for, nourishing, and cherishing your partner helps prevent stagnation and resentment. When you reflect on God’s goodness to you, it should inspire gratitude and renewed commitment to your loved ones, making your relationship a living testimony of grace. [46:59]
5. The health of your relationship is not just about what you receive, but about what you give and how you grow together. Cherishing your partner means showing appreciation in both big and small ways, and being intentional about meeting their needs for attention, time, and affection. A relationship that reflects Christ’s love is marked by mutual encouragement, accountability, and a shared pursuit of God’s best. [47:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:55] - Stewardship Over Health and Resources
[04:02] - Invitation to Father’s Day and Living Courageously
[10:46] - God’s Love: Heaven on Earth
[13:00] - The Mission and Heart of Courageous Worship Church
[15:30] - Introduction to Relationship Killers
[19:43] - The Power of Respect in Relationships
[26:34] - Sacrificial Love: Christ and the Church
[27:29] - Respect Through Words
[28:42] - Respect Through Surroundings
[30:12] - The Call to Responsibility
[34:00] - The Importance of Presence
[39:18] - Balancing Responsibilities in the Home
[41:06] - The Necessity of Reflection
[46:59] - Nourishing and Cherishing Each Other
[49:03] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[49:51] - Closing and Living Courageously

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:25-29 (ESV) — > Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 5:25, what kind of love are husbands called to have for their wives? How is this love described in the passage?
In the sermon, what are some practical ways the pastor says respect is shown in relationships? ([27:29])
What does the passage say about how Christ treats the church, and how does Paul connect this to how we should treat our loved ones? ([26:34])
The sermon mentions “relationship killers.” What are the main relationship killers the pastor identifies? ([41:06])

Interpretation Questions

The pastor says that Jesus never did anything halfway and gave His all. What does it mean for us to “not do things halfway” in our relationships and responsibilities? ([10:46])
Why do you think Paul uses the example of Christ and the church to talk about marriage and relationships? What does this teach us about the standard for love and respect? ([26:34])
The sermon talks about the importance of being present in our relationships. Why is presence (physically, emotionally, spiritually) so important for building trust and connection? ([34:00])
The pastor says that reflection is a discipline that keeps relationships healthy. What does it look like to regularly reflect on how you are nourishing and cherishing your loved ones? ([46:59])

Application Questions

The pastor challenges men (and all of us) to take responsibility for our health, not just for ourselves but for those who depend on us. What is one specific step you can take this month to be a better steward of your health or resources? ([02:55])
Think about your closest relationships. Are there areas where you have been “doing things halfway” or not giving your best? What would it look like to give your all, like Jesus did? ([10:46])
The sermon says that respect is shown in both our words and our actions, including the company we keep. Is there a way you need to change how you speak to or about your loved ones, or the environments you bring into your home? ([27:29])
The pastor talks about the importance of being present. Are there distractions or habits that keep you from being truly present with your family or friends? What is one thing you can do this week to be more present? ([34:00])
Reflect on your role in your home or relationships. Are you taking responsibility for spiritual leadership, encouragement, or practical needs? What is one area where you can step up and take more ownership? ([39:18])
The sermon encourages us to regularly reflect on how we are nourishing and cherishing each other. What is one way you can show appreciation to your spouse, family member, or friend this week—either in a big or small way? ([47:35])
The pastor says that the health of a relationship is not just about what you receive, but about what you give and how you grow together. What is one thing you can do to help your relationship reflect Christ’s love more clearly? ([47:35])

Sermon Clips

One thing I like about Jesus is that he didn't halfway do anything, but he gave his best. Come on. When Jesus was here walking the earth, he turned water into wine. He fed 5,000. And he did so many miracles because why he was willing to give his all throughout everything that he was doing. [00:00:44]

Do not allow you being halfway through this year to make you relax and not continuing to give your best. So, this month of June, I want you to re-evaluate things. I want you to look things up and begin to finish this year even stronger and even better. [00:01:07]

No matter where you are watching this remember that our lord and savior jesus christ died for your sins come on he died not just so that you could go to heaven but i want you to really grasp in your spirit god died so that you can experience heaven here on earth. [00:11:12]

We believe and I definitely believe that god has great things in store for you that if you continue to put your faith and trust in him life won't be perfect but it'll definitely get better i am a testimony walking testimony that god is still good he's still worthy to be praised and he is still worthy to be adored. [00:11:30]

Whenever you study the scriptures you will find that god puts the primary responsibility for having a godly biblical family on the man i think that may be why men and husbands and fathers have been under such severe attack in american culture very often in the media the husband and the father is portrayed as some kind uh some kind of bumbling stumbling fool. [00:15:16]

There are families that represent good and godly family and we need some godly men and women and we need the church to help other families become what they ought to be for the glory of god come on we have to stop wishing and stop start being intentional in our thinking and our application when it comes to relationships. [00:17:39]

Sometimes you can learn powerful tools about relationships for single people. Why is that important? Because for some of them.And hopefully this comes across the right way for some of them, their relationships didn't work out. So they know what to do going forward to ensure that their relationships will work out. [00:19:31]

The love of Jesus for his church was selfless it was sacrificial it was one of sitting there saying i am going to respect you by giving you my best come on and dear brothers and sisters you have to respect your mates by giving them come on your best come on jesus loved the church but he also loved sinners come on he loved you and he loved me so very much that he was willing to sacrifice his very life on the cross of calvary. [00:22:49]

There are some things about your mate some things about your relationships that you dear brothers and sisters cannot will not and won't change come on you can be mad you can be annoyed but there are some things about that individual that makes them so unique come on that it is part of their DNA come on and dear brothers and sisters you have to love the good and the bad come on respect sits there and says I love you just as you are. [00:24:05]

Love is a verb, meaning love is not just something you feel. It is something that you do. Love is a decision. You decide to love your wife. You decide to love your husband. You decide to love your children. It is a conscious decision to be a sacrificial love. [00:26:52]

Your words matter. How you say stuff, how you speak to your mate is extremely important. It matters. Come on. And same thing, women. How you speak to your mate, how you conversate with your mate matters. Your words show a level of respect. You have to respect your mate in order for your relationship to be successful. [00:28:05]

The man is responsible for the spiritual climate in his home. He is responsible before the Lord for leading his spouse and his family into a deeper relationship with the Lord. It is the role and the responsibility primarily should be of the man, not just to lead the wife into a new home, not just lead the wife in a fulfilling career, not just to lead the wife and the family in their own home.on a fantastic vacation, but it is the job of the husband to lead the family and the wife into a meaningful, loving, caring relationship with God. [00:31:06]

If those things are all you give them you have failed them dear brothers and sisters if all you give is knowledge and wealth you have let them down dear brothers and sisters also give them jesus come on give them jesus take the responsibility and sit there and say i'm going to do the best that i can to introduce them to the savior. [00:35:21]

There should be responsibilities with faith come on there should be a responsibility it is not a true sure it is not a useless going to church come on help them understand their faith now what they do when they get old that's one thing but take them there come on it's another thing who's responsible for finances come on talk about the responsibility of ensuring that the financial future is secure huh and then watch this there should be a responsibility and really should be balanced as relates to also family. [00:37:48]

When you think about how good god has been to you then you should also think about how good your mate has been to you let me say that again when you think about how good god has been to you you should also be willing to think of how good your mate has been to you come on and when you think about how good both of those things have been to you it'll make you appreciate them even more and it will make you watch this love them. [00:43:34]

You should be just excited about going home as some of you are excited about going to church. Come on. Some of you sit there and say, I can't wait to get into God's presence. But how many of you sit there and say, I can't wait to get into my. Mace presence. I can't wait to get in their arms. I can't wait to be around them. Come on. It is a reflect. [00:44:56]

Relationship should be a reflection.Of how God love the church. Through his son. Jesus Christ. Come on.So you have to reflect on how.How are you providing for each other?Reflect on how you are providing for each other.Reflect on how you are nourishing each other.Providing means reflect on how you're taking care of each other's needs.Nourishing also means to bring to maturity.How are you nourishing each other? How are you helping each other grow?And then reflect on how you are cherishing each other. [00:46:45]

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