So, what can you expect as we walk through “The Relationships We Build” together?
Each episode will break down one of the ENGAGED principles with practical steps for applying it in your relationships—whether it’s with family, friends, co-workers, or your church community.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:00:59] And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ,
[00:01:09] to another edition of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:12] And today, I'd like to introduce our newest series titled, The Relationships We Build.
[00:01:22] This series is inspired by Colossians 3 verse 12,
[00:01:27] and reading from the New International Version it reads,
[00:01:30] Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
[00:01:37] clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
[00:01:44] Over the next several episodes, we will explore how to strengthen our relationships with God and one another,
[00:01:52] using biblical principles that help us live in peace, joy.
[00:01:59] At the heart of this series is the Engaged Mindset,
[00:02:04] a framework that teaches us how to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, growing, accountable, guiding, empowering, and dedicated in our relationships.
[00:02:16] This mindset not only pleases God, but transforms the way we connect with the people around us.
[00:02:25] Why is it so important to focus on relationships?
[00:02:29] Because God created us for connection.
[00:02:33] From the very beginning, relationships have been central to God's design.
[00:02:38] In Genesis 2 verse 18, God said,
[00:02:42] It is not good for man to be alone.
[00:02:45] We were made to be in fellowship with him and one another.
[00:02:51] But healthy relationships don't happen automatically.
[00:02:54] They require intentionality, growth, and alignment with God's word.
[00:03:01] Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22 verses 37 through 39 when he said,
[00:03:09] Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
[00:03:18] This series will help us understand how to live out the command fully through the Engaged Mindset.
[00:03:25] So what is the Engaged Mindset?
[00:03:29] The Engaged Mindset is more than just a concept.
[00:03:33] It's a practical guide for how we can live out our faith in our relationships.
[00:03:39] Each letter represents a principle rooted in scripture that we'll explore throughout this series.
[00:03:48] Our first letter is E which stands for empathetic.
[00:03:52] Seeing others through God's eyes and showing compassion as seen in Colossians 3 and 12.
[00:04:01] N. Nonjudgmental
[00:04:04] Choosing grace over criticism just as Romans 14 and 13 reminds us,
[00:04:10] Stop passing judgment on one another.
[00:04:13] G. Growing
[00:04:16] Committing to personal and spiritual growth as seen in 2 Peter 3 and 18.
[00:04:21] Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
[00:04:28] A. Accountable
[00:04:30] Holding ourselves and others responsible in love as Proverbs 27 and 17 teaches,
[00:04:37] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
[00:04:42] G. Guiding
[00:04:43] Offering mentorship and spiritual support, just as Paul instructed in Galatians 6 and 1.
[00:04:50] Restore that person gently.
[00:04:53] E. Empowering
[00:04:55] Encouraging others to walk boldly in their God-given purpose, like Hebrews 10 and 24 says,
[00:05:03] Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
[00:05:07] D. Dedication
[00:05:10] D. Dedication
[00:05:10] Being committed and faithful in relationships, reflecting God's steadfast love, as in Psalms
[00:05:17] 136 verse 1.
[00:05:19] His love endures forever.
[00:05:21] These principles, when lived out, help us build relationships that reflect God's character and align with his kingdom values.
[00:05:31] The engaged mindset doesn't just help us build relationships.
[00:05:35] It brings balance into every area of our lives.
[00:05:40] When we're empathetic, nonjudgmental, and committed to growth, we create environments where peace, joy, and love can flourish.
[00:05:51] John 13 verse 35 reminds us,
[00:05:54] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
[00:06:02] Our relationships are a direct reflection of our faith and a testimony to the world around us.
[00:06:09] So what can you expect as we walk through the relationships we build together?
[00:06:15] Each episode will break down one of the engaged principles with practical steps for applying it in your relationships,
[00:06:23] whether it's with family, friends, coworkers, or your church community.
[00:06:28] We'll explore how empathy can transform conflict.
[00:06:34] Why accountability strengthens, not weakens, relationships.
[00:06:38] The importance of guiding others with wisdom and humility.
[00:06:43] And how staying dedicated to people, even in hard times, reflects the heart of God.
[00:06:50] You'll hear biblical insights, personal reflections, and actionable steps you can take to build stronger, healthier connections.
[00:06:58] And how to build stronger, and more.
[00:06:59] As we begin this journey together, I want to leave you with a challenge.
[00:07:05] Take a moment this week to reflect on your relationships.
[00:07:10] Ask yourself, am I being empathetic and patient?
[00:07:14] Do I offer grace instead of judgment?
[00:07:18] Am I actively helping others grow and staying committed to those God has placed in my life?
[00:07:25] And most importantly, invite God into this process.
[00:07:29] Pray for his wisdom and guidance as you seek to build stronger relationships.
[00:07:35] James 1 and 5 reminds us, if any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
[00:07:45] This series is not just about improving relationships.
[00:07:49] It's about becoming more like Christ as we connect with others.
[00:07:55] Brothers and sisters, I thank you for joining me today for the launch of the relationships we build.
[00:08:01] I'm so excited for the journey ahead as we explore how to live out the engaged mindset together.
[00:08:08] If this message resonated with you, please share it with a friend and invite them to grow alongside you.
[00:08:15] I thank you for spending time with us on today.
[00:08:19] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:08:22] Until then, God bless.
[00:08:24] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:08:41] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
[00:08:47] You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more.
[00:08:56] Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online.
[00:09:00] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:09:11] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com