Tuesdays are trash days at our house. That means every Monday evening we go through the same ritual of taking the trash cans out to the curb. Notably, the actual trash can is the smallest container. The recycle receptacle is much larger as well as the green can for yard clippings.

It’s obvious to most residents that the message is clear: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Not everything is to be discarded. In the same way, we need to recognize that our relationships are meant to be sustainable, not disposable. It’s time to recognize and get rid of the consumer mentality in our relationships. In no way are our relationships to be used up and thrown away. Strong, healthy, covenant relations are to be a regular part of the body of Christ. The key to covenant relationships is not trying to find the right person. It is being the right person.

1 Peter 4:8 tells us that “above all things have fervent (intense & unfailing) love among yourselves.” A renewal of love may be needed. This can take time and effort, but the pay off is well worth the labor.

Take time to check for areas in your heart where unnecessary baggage has piled up—those small offenses that never decompose. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love keeps no records of wrongs done to it.

It may not be trash day at your house, but remember: It’s time to Reduce the bags of unforgiveness and bitterness. Recognize that you can leave it to Jesus at the cross.

It’s time to Reuse. Relationships are sustainable. They are not to be used once and discarded. Allow your heart to be knit to others in life-long friendships. It’s time to Recycle. Our relationships are to have an everlasting quality of love to them. Love never fails, withers or fades. It never becomes inefficient or obsolete. It never comes to an end!