Over the next few weeks all relationships will be tested. If we turn to God (faith, hope and love) we will grow, but if we turn to Satan (fear, guilt and anger) we will fail.

More important than anything I write below is that EVERYONE TAKE A “CHILL PILL” AND GIVE EACH OTHER GRACE. Being cooped up can lead us to say things we don’t really mean. But once those words are out there, they are hard to pull back. Make a covenant with yourself that until this confinement is over you will not raise your voice in anger or call anyone a bad name (Mt.5:23f).

Briefly then, here are the top five opportunities for growth or failure.

First, attempt to deepen your emotional communication. Set aside 30 minutes once a week for intentional sharing from the heart. It is important that no one disagrees or discourages the one sharing. This individual has just made themselves vulnerable. It is good to have a few questions to stimulate the conversation. For instance: What is your favorite memory of each person here? Or, if it is just between a married couple: What did you think when you first saw me?

Second, utilize touch. Social distancing does not apply in families. So, reach out and hold hands when praying. Give the hugger in your family all the hugs he/she needs. And, married couples, read 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 and obey – but don’t demand. For instance, wife don’t demand that your husband honor you (1 Peter 3:7) and husband don’t demand that your wife respects you (Eph.5:33). God commands us to do this. But it is something that must be given and not demanded.

Third, prioritize the significant people in your life by showering attention and gratitude. Utilize text, emails, phone calls, etc. to spread this beyond your immediate family to your church family. These are challenging times. There will be many tears before this is over. So, don’t miss opportunities to say: “I love you!” If you need a jump start, don’t see each other as you now are, but remember the first time your eyes fell on that precious soul. Rekindle through memory the emotions you had.

Fourth, daily communication. Set aside time throughout the day to communicate with God, your spouse, and your kids. For instance, pray every six hours (6 AM, Noon, 6 PM and before you fall asleep).

Fifth, exercise regularly and finances. Work for 25 minutes then get up and exercise, stretch, or just walk around for 5 minutes. And, finally, when it comes to finances, don’t break your budget. Make the budget the “bad person”. If you don’t have a budget, make one! Reach out if you need help to get started with this.

Friend, please give each other grace. This is a great opportunity to avoid toxic issues. Be patient with one another. Don’t blame each other. That will simply lead to a bad emotion and result in a deep root of bitterness in your soul. Forgive the past! And do not be anxious about the future. Our God has got this!