So this morning I happened across something that really went to the core of my heart and touched on an issue that I’m certain many of us have either experienced in the past, are experiencing now and may even possibly experience in the future – broken relationships.

Broken relationships can come in many and any different forms. There can be broken family relationships, friendships, social groups, partnerships (of many forms) and so the list goes on…

Well what I watched this morning showed me a person who had invested in trying to put right what was something that had been wrong for him for a number of decades and also gave a glimmer into how intentional this individual had been about learning from his life’s journey. It wasn’t lost on me that my reading of 1 John chapters 1-4 came back to me as I watched as I drew some parallels to this experience.

If we seek to understand first, we are then able to respond from an informed position and not give in to assumption and misunderstanding.

I think the Apostle James says it best in the following:

¹⁹ Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];

(James 1:19 NLT).

Back to the morning reading – 1 John chapters 1-4

There is such a hope in me to experience the true joy of great relationships where I can be at peace about who I am enough to resist the urge to succumb to the lies of Satan, who will tell me to withdraw and start the construction of a new wall (no planning permission required here).

Well, in my daily pursuit of God, through time spent with him in discussion (aka prayer) and through reading His love letters to me (all 66 of them – aka the Bible!) I get that bit closer to experiencing that joy.

Throughout 1 John 1-4, we are encouraged overall to ‘love one another’. Live in God’s light (following His ways, in communion with Him and fellow believers) and love one another. We are warned not to love the ways of the world by craving after physical pleasure, craving for all we see or holding a pride in our achievements and possessions (1 John 2:15-17).

John doesn’t shy away from the acknowledgement that there is darkness all around us in this world and even within ourselves at times. It talks about the spirit of Antichrist which has been in this world for a very long time – and which is evident in false prophets:

³ But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.

(1 John 4:3 NLT)

But overall as I stated, we are encouraged to ‘love one another’.

Loving One Another

⁷ Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God (1 John 4:7 – NLT)

¹¹ Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. (1 John 4:11 – NLT)

So I implore you my dear brothers and sisters, to push on into this pursuit of God’s love, in order that His love will flow through us for others and help us to seek to understand and bring love to our relationships.

May God bless you.

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (New Living Translation)

May God bless you all,

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)

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Note from Brother Don — click to open

I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.

You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.

Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.

Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open

If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.

Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.

A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:

• God created you for relationship with Him.
• Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
• We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
• Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
• He rose again, defeating sin and death.
• Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
• Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
• When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
• We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.

A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:

“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”

What to Do Next:

1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you, pray with you, and help you grow.

2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new or simply curious.

Visit the Alpha Course website

3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.