Relationships 101 With Pastor John and Lisa Prominski
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor John and Lisa’s message from February 15, 2026
Let’s Break it Down
When relationships struggle, start by examining your own heart and creating an environment conducive to growth. For singles, avoid dating someone you wouldn't marry and ensure you're equally yoked in faith.
Key Takeaways
Christian relationships should be governed by Scripture and the Holy Spirit, not cultural trends or emotions
Pursuit and intentional communication must continue throughout marriage - dating doesn't stop at the altar
Both individuals in a relationship must be spiritually solid and growing in their personal relationship with God
Forgiveness is essential and must be practiced daily, sometimes multiple times per day
Being equally yoked in faith is crucial for lasting, godly relationships and should not be compromised
Tap to watch the full Q & A on Youtube
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Beyond the Facebook Version
Devotional
We live in a world of carefully curated social media posts, where everyone's life looks perfect from the outside. But authentic relationships require us to move beyond these polished presentations and allow people to see who we really are. True connection happens when we're vulnerable enough to share our struggles, fears, and imperfections with others. God designed us for genuine community, not surface-level interactions. When we hide behind masks of perfection, we rob ourselves and others of the deep, meaningful relationships that bring healing and growth. It takes courage to let people into our messy, imperfect lives, but this vulnerability is where real love and acceptance flourish. The world is watching how Christians love one another. Our authentic relationships become powerful testimonies of God's grace and acceptance. When we're real with each other - sharing both our victories and our struggles - we create space for others to do the same. This kind of genuine community reflects the heart of God, who loves us completely despite our flaws.
Bible Verse
'By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.' - John 13:35
Reflection Question
What masks are you wearing that prevent others from seeing the real you, and how might removing them deepen your relationships?
Quote
You've got to allow people into your lives. You've got to be willing to allow them to see you. And I know that our tendency is to post, you know, the Facebook version of our lives, but that's just not reality, is it?
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to be authentic in my relationships. Help me create safe spaces where others can be real too, reflecting Your unconditional love.
Day 2: The Foundation Makes the Difference
Devotional
What sets Christian relationships apart isn't perfection - it's the foundation they're built upon. While the world bases relationships on feelings, cultural trends, or personal convenience, believers have something far more solid: Scripture and the Holy Spirit as their guide. This biblical foundation doesn't guarantee easy relationships, but it provides a compass when storms come. When conflicts arise, we have God's Word to guide our responses. When emotions run high, the Holy Spirit can bring peace and wisdom. When culture tells us to give up, Scripture calls us to forgiveness and perseverance. The difference becomes evident in how we handle disagreements, extend forgiveness, and choose commitment over convenience. These aren't natural human responses - they're supernatural ones that flow from our relationship with Christ. When others see Christians navigating relationships with grace, patience, and unconditional love, they witness something that can't be explained by human effort alone. This foundation transforms not just how we love, but how we resolve conflict, communicate, and remain committed when feelings fade. It's this supernatural love that becomes a powerful testimony to a watching world.
Bible Verse
'Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?' - Amos 3:3
Reflection Question
How does having Scripture and the Holy Spirit as your relationship compass change the way you handle conflict and make decisions?
Quote
The believer's marriage or the believer's relationships are governed by Scripture, by the Holy Spirit, and the world has no such compass.
Prayer
Father, help me build all my relationships on Your Word and Spirit's guidance. May others see Your love reflected in how I treat those closest to me.
Day 3: The Pursuit Never Stops
Devotional
One of the most beautiful aspects of healthy relationships is the ongoing pursuit. Whether in marriage or friendship, the moment we stop intentionally investing in someone is the moment that relationship begins to weaken. Love isn't just a feeling - it's an action that requires daily choice and effort. In marriage, this means dating never stops after the wedding. It means continuing to discover new things about your spouse, creating special moments together, and showing them they're worth pursuing. The same principle applies to friendships - healthy relationships require ongoing investment, regular communication, and intentional time together. When pursuit fades, relationships become stagnant. We start taking each other for granted, assuming the other person will always be there. But relationships are living things that need constant nurturing to thrive. This doesn't mean exhausting yourself, but rather making consistent, small investments that show the other person they matter. The beautiful truth is that when we pursue others with Christ-like love, we're reflecting how God pursues us. He never stops seeking our hearts, never gives up on us, and constantly shows us we're worth His attention and affection.
Bible Verse
'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.' - Proverbs 4:23
Reflection Question
In what specific ways can you intentionally pursue and invest in your most important relationships this week?
Quote
Dating doesn't stop when you get married. In fact, you name one relationship that remains healthy where there's no pursuit, where there's no chase.
Prayer
Lord, help me never stop pursuing those You've placed in my life. Give me creativity and consistency in showing them they matter.
Day 4: Becoming Before Finding
Devotional
Whether you're single or married, one of the most important relationship principles is this: focus on becoming the person you'd want to be with rather than just looking for someone to complete you. Healthy relationships aren't about finding someone to rescue us from our problems - they're about two whole people choosing to walk together. For singles, this means using this season to grow in character, deepen your relationship with God, and develop the qualities you'd want in a future spouse. Don't date someone you wouldn't marry, and don't compromise your standards hoping someone will change. Instead, ask yourself: "If I were to be in a relationship with this person, would I grow closer to the Lord or colder?" For those in relationships, the same principle applies. Rather than trying to change your partner, focus on your own growth and creating an environment where both of you can flourish. You can't carry someone else's relationship with God, but you can model what it looks like to pursue Him wholeheartedly. When we focus on becoming rather than just finding, we attract and build relationships based on character rather than just chemistry. This creates a foundation that can weather any storm.
Bible Verse
'Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do they have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?' - 2 Corinthians 6:14
Reflection Question
What areas of your character and spiritual life do you need to develop to become the person you'd want to be in a relationship with?
Quote
Don't date someone you wouldn't marry. And I don't know how many times I've heard it. Well, it's not like I'm gonna marry him. Then why are you kissing them?
Prayer
God, help me focus on becoming the person You've called me to be. Shape my character to reflect Your love in all my relationships.
Day 5: Healing Before Moving Forward
Devotional
One of the most loving things we can do for ourselves and future relationships is to deal with our baggage before bringing it into new connections. Unhealed wounds, unresolved conflicts, and unhealthy patterns don't disappear when we enter new relationships - they follow us and often create the same problems in different settings. Whether you're recovering from a broken relationship, dealing with family dysfunction, or struggling with personal issues, taking time to heal is crucial. This isn't about becoming perfect before you can love or be loved - it's about being honest about your wounds and actively working toward wholeness. Healing often requires forgiveness - both giving it and receiving it. It might mean seeking counseling, having difficult conversations, or simply spending time with God to let Him restore your heart. The goal isn't to erase your past but to learn from it and prevent unhealthy patterns from repeating. When we enter relationships from a place of healing rather than neediness, we can love others freely instead of using them to fill our empty spaces. This creates healthier dynamics and allows both people to flourish rather than just survive together.
Bible Verse
'He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.' - Psalm 147:3
Reflection Question
What areas of brokenness or unhealthy patterns do you need to address before they affect your current or future relationships?
Quote
If you're not healed. You're going to take that right into the next relationship. Deal with your baggage before you bring it another relationship. Make sure your heart's whole.
Prayer
Lord, heal the broken places in my heart and help me address any baggage that might hurt my relationships. Make me whole so I can love others well.