In what ways can we apply "a time to keep" to our relationships? Setting the Verse in Context Ecclesiastes 3:6b—“a time to keep and a time to discard”. Solomon’s inspired poem reminds us that God assigns seasons for every human activity. “A time to keep” teaches that certain things, especially relationships, are worth holding onto with intentional care and steadfast commitment. What “to Keep” Looks Like in Relationships • Cherishing covenant bonds • Marriage: Malachi 2:16 warns, “For I hate divorce…so guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith”. Keeping means guarding the covenant even when emotions wane. • Family: Proverbs 17:17—“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”. Loyalty is not seasonal; crises are precisely the time to keep. • Guarding trust • Proverbs 20:6 reveals how rare faithfulness is; thus, when another confides in us, confidentiality is non-negotiable. • “Love… believes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Keeping involves protecting another’s reputation rather than airing grievances. • Preserving unity through forgiveness • Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”. Forgiveness “keeps” the relationship by refusing to let offenses become permanent wedges. • Colossians 3:14 calls love “the bond of perfection”; bonds only remain intact when sin’s splinters are removed quickly. • Maintaining healthy boundaries • Keeping doesn’t equal clinging. Even Jesus “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). Space can preserve, not weaken, connection. • Galatians 6:2,5 balances bearing others’ burdens and carrying one’s own load; honoring that balance “keeps” mutual respect. Practical Steps for “Keeping” 1. Regular check-ins—schedule intentional conversations rather than assuming closeness will self-maintain. 2. Memory markers—celebrate anniversaries, answered prayers, and victories together to cement shared history (Joshua 4:7 principle of memorial stones). 3. Crisis readiness—agree in advance to rally when loss, illness, or temptation strikes (Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep”). 4. Truth-in-love talks—speak correction gently before small irritations harden (Proverbs 27:6). 5. Prayer covering—intercede daily; unseen spiritual work “keeps” more effectively than endless talk (James 5:16). When Keeping Becomes Hard • Weariness: Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in well-doing…”. Perseverance relies on God’s strength, not mere grit. • One-sided effort: Romans 12:18 permits peace “if it is possible…as far as it depends on you”. We keep by fulfilling our part faithfully, leaving results to God. • Serious sin: Matthew 18:15-17 lays out restorative steps. Keeping may involve loving confrontation, not quiet enablement. Blessings Promised to those Who Keep • Deeper joy—Psalm 133:1 announces how “pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity”. • Powerful witness—John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another”. • Future reward—2 Timothy 4:7-8 links “keeping the faith” with receiving “the crown of righteousness”. Faithfulness in human ties reflects faithfulness to Christ. Living the Season Now God has placed you in relationships worth “keeping” today. Lean on His Word, rely on His Spirit, and prioritize faithfulness over convenience. In this divinely appointed season, choose to keep. |
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