new year, new us: navigating love’s labyrinth with joe goldberg
as the clock strikes midnight and we usher in a new year, many of us contemplate fresh starts and second chances. what better time to address the delicate situation of finding oneself entangled with joe goldberg?
as the clock strikes 12, remember - even with a joe goldberg, faith can guide you. new year, new chances to grow in love & spirit. explore relationships through god's lens.
embracing change: joe’s journey
the past: auld lang syne
acknowledging the old year: joe’s past actions, troubling as they may be, are now written in the books of yesteryear. as christians, we’re reminded that god’s mercies are new every morning (lamentations 3:22-23).
unpacking the emotional luggage: encourage joe to confront his past as part of his new year’s resolution. it’s about understanding, not excusing, and leaving old habits behind.
forgiveness as a fresh start: while we don’t condone joe’s past behaviors, the new year offers a symbolic clean slate. remember, christ’s love offers new life, not just a bandaid for old wounds.
the present: countdown to change
new year, new joe: if joe truly wants this relationship to work, support his journey towards redemption. with god, even the most dramatic transformations are possible (2 corinthians 5:17).
celebrate small victories: each day of the new year that joe chooses love over obsession is a win. these moments are like fireworks, bright testaments to god’s grace.
resolutions and reality checks: change doesn’t happen just because the calendar flips. be patient but vigilant. your safety and well-being are part of god’s plan for the new year.
the future: auld lang syne in reverse
vision board for two: help joe envision a god-centered future. encourage him to dream of next new year’s eve, reflecting on a year of growth and positive change.
new year’s goals, god’s goals: work with joe to set spiritual and personal growth objectives for the year. let these shared resolutions strengthen your bond.
prepare for the year ahead: the path of redemption isn’t always smooth. arm yourselves with prayer, scripture, and a strong support system to weather whatever the new year may bring.
setting boundaries: new year’s edition
new year, new rules: establish clear expectations for the year ahead. joe needs to understand that your faith is the cornerstone of your life and your relationship.
resolution for transparency: make openness a key theme for the year. secrets have no place in a god-centered relationship, especially as you start anew.
safety first in the new year: while hoping for the best, ensure you have a support system in place. trust in the lord, but also be wise in your steps forward.
accountability as a couple’s resolution: implement regular check-ins with trusted friends or mentors. frame it as a shared commitment to growth in the new year.
nurturing spiritual growth in the new year
pray together daily: start each day of the new year in prayer together. it’s a powerful way to align your hearts with god’s will for the months ahead.
new year, new scripture study: explore bible passages about renewal, transformation, and god’s promises. paul’s conversion story might resonate with joe’s journey into the new year.
couples counseling as a resolution: consider christian couples counseling as a proactive step for a healthier relationship in the coming year.
serve others in the new year: encourage joe to channel his intense devotion into serving others. make it a shared resolution to experience god’s love in action throughout the year.
the “chain my heart” approach: new year’s edition
as we step into a new year with joe, who’s working to leave questionable decisions in the past, let’s adapt the “chain my heart” approach for a fresh start:
new year’s anchor: as the new year begins, ensure your primary devotion is to the lord. let your faith be the unbreakable chain that keeps you grounded in truth.
resolution check-ins: create a loving system to address behaviors that seem off. frame it as part of your shared commitment to growth in the new year.
two witnesses, one resolution: don’t rely solely on your judgment. if something feels off, consult with a trusted friend. sometimes, new year’s optimism can cloud our judgment.
honesty: the best policy for the new year: encourage joe to ‘chain his heart’ to radical honesty as a new year’s resolution. create a safe space for truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
monthly heart check-ups: regularly assess where both of your hearts are as the year progresses. are you growing closer to each other and to god? use these check-ins to stay on track with your resolutions.
vulnerability as strength in the new year: show joe that being open and accountable isn’t weakness, but strength. it’s the foundation for genuine growth in your relationship this year.
cringing in a new chapter
as we toast to new beginnings with joe goldberg, remember, this journey will challenge you to balance love with wisdom, forgiveness with caution. you’re not joe’s new year’s miracle worker – that role belongs to christ alone. your task is to be a faithful witness to god’s transformative love throughout the year.
keep your heart chained to god’s truth and love as you navigate each month. there may be moments when the shadows of joe’s past seem to darken even the brightest new year’s hope. in those times, hold fast to the promise that god’s love outshines any darkness.
be prepared to make difficult decisions if necessary. if at any point you feel unsafe or if joe’s old patterns resurface, don’t hesitate to step back. your well-being is part of god’s plan for your year.
this new year’s journey with joe is about more than resolutions and fresh starts. it’s about witnessing god’s grace, the beauty of redemption, and the power of love rooted in faith.
as the new year unfolds, remember: “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 corinthians 13:7). may your year be blessed with divine wisdom, protection, and love that reflects christ’s own. and may your heart, chained to god’s truth, be a guiding light for both you and joe in this new chapter of your lives.
happy new year, and may god’s love be your constant companion in the months ahead.
-r+b(nm)