June 6
Bound by Love,
Not Conflict
“Don’t be proud at all. Be completely gentle. Be patient. Put up with one another in love. The Holy Spirit makes you one in every way. So try your best to remain as one. Let peace keep you together.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIrV)
Riley adjusted her scarf as the cold wind bit at her cheeks. She glanced at her phone. Hudson was late again. It was his weekend with Kate, and Riley had rushed to meet him at the park, juggling her work schedule and errands. When he finally pulled up, she could feel her frustration bubbling.
“Nice of you to show up,” Riley said, her tone sharp.
“Really, Riley? You know traffic’s bad this time of day,” Hudson shot back, lifting Kate from her booster seat.
Kate’s little face lit up when she saw her mom, but her smile quickly faded as her parents’ voices rose. She clutched her stuffed rabbit tighter and stared at the ground.
“Do you even think about how this affects her?” Riley snapped, pointing toward Kate.
Hudson’s jaw tightened. “Don’t act like you’re the only one who cares about her!”
The argument spiraled, each word adding fuel to the fire. Neither Riley nor Hudson noticed the tears streaming down Kate’s cheeks until she whispered, “Stop fighting.”
The simple plea hit them both like a bolt of lightning. Riley knelt to hug Kate, her heart aching. Hudson looked away, guilt etched on his face.
Later that night, Riley sat on her couch, flipping through her Bible app. She stumbled across Ephesians 4:2-3. The words felt like a mirror, reflecting the chaos of their co-parenting relationship. “Be completely gentle. Be patient. Put up with one another in love.”
Riley closed her eyes and whispered a prayer. “Lord, I know I’ve been letting my frustration take over. I want to do better—for Kate and for You. Please help me find patience and peace.”
The next morning, Riley texted Hudson. Can we meet to talk? I want to figure out how we can do this better—for Kate.
When they met, Riley was nervous. Hudson looked surprised but agreed. They talked through their frustrations, this time without the biting words. They set boundaries, agreed on clear schedules, and promised to keep Kate at the center of their decisions.
Over time, their efforts paid off. Drop-offs and pick-ups became smoother, and Kate began smiling more. It wasn’t easy, but Riley and Hudson both learned that humility, gentleness, and patience could transform their relationship—not as partners, but as co-parents united in love for their child.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for teaching us the importance of gentleness, patience, and love.
Like Riley and Hudson, help us to put aside our pride and work for peace, especially in relationships that affect the ones we love.
Guide us to be humble, to listen, and to act with kindness.
Remind us that Your Holy Spirit unites us and that we can find strength in You.
Help us to live out Your call to remain one in love and peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
