Joy in Relationship - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Bible in a Year : 2 Chronicles 28-29, John 17

Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10

Today's Scripture & Insight : Colossians 1:9-14

Two-year-old Peter sat in the highchair happily devouring his food with his fingers. Then his grandmother said matter-of-factly, “He needs to start eating with a spoon. You don’t want him to graduate from high school and still not know how to eat properly.”

Diane felt insulted, as if her ability as a mother was being called into question. Of course he’ll be using cutlery long before then! she seethed. Sometimes her mother-in-law, Lois, seemed so critical.

It took time, but with the passing years and much prayer, Diane learned to love Lois in the ways Paul described in his letter to the Colossians (1:9-10). She learned that loving one another with patience is a mark of growing in spiritual maturity (v. 11). As she got to know Lois better as a person and as a child of God, Diane also needed to forgive her for her outspokenness, just as God had forgiven her (v. 14). And, as she matured, Diane began to better understand and take joy in Lois.

In their last several years together before Lois’ death, the two talked and laughed and made many new wonderful memories Diane continues to savour.

Learning to love others in our lives can be difficult. Sometimes personalities clash or others can say thoughtless things. But remembering the patience God has had with us and that He’s forgiven us helps us to do the same.

By: Alyson Kieda

Reflect & Pray
What relationship in your life took time to grow and blossom? What has helped you with your relationships?

Thank You, God, that I can have a relationship with others because of You.