Hebrews 12:11 Newsletter

Good morning Reader,

To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet. - Proverbs 29:5 NLT

This verse warns that someone who flatters you may actually be setting a trap.

Not every voice in your life is helping you grow.

So let me ask you something before we go any further:

Who is in your life?

All month, we’ve been talking about healthy communication and working together — especially in marriage. We’ve talked about honesty, clarity, and being on the same page.

But communication inside your home can be strengthened or weakened by voices outside your home.

That’s why this matters.

When my husband and I were engaged, my uncle officiated our wedding and led our premarital counseling. The book we read was The Magnetic Marriage: 8 Characteristics of Irresistible Marriages. One of those characteristics was community.

That stayed with me.

Your spouse should be the main voice in your marriage — but not the only voice in your life. The people around you will either protect your communication or slowly damage it.

And that damage usually starts small.

• A friend says, “Don’t tell him that.”
• Someone tells you, “It’s not that serious.”
• Someone laughs at your budget and says you’re doing too much.
• Someone suggests keeping secrets instead of working things out.

It may seem harmless.

But small influences can quietly weaken unity.

If someone encourages you to hide, lie, or stop communicating, that is not support. That is pulling you away from peace.

(And to be clear, I am not speaking about abusive relationships.)

When I shared that we’ve paid off 23 debts, that didn’t happen because we never struggled. We had hard conversations. Frustrating days. Moments when shutting down felt easier.

But we kept choosing communication. And we had people around us who encouraged honesty and unity — not division.

If you want success this year, you don’t just need a financial plan.

You need voices that protect your unity.

So I’ll ask again:

Who is in your life?

Reflection Question​
Are the people around you strengthening your communication — or quietly weakening it?

Prayer of the Week​
Dear God, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. Give me discernment to recognize healthy influence and courage to distance myself from what hinders growth. Surround me with wise counsel that strengthens my marriage and my stewardship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Need help strengthening communication around your finances? Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today.

-Latrisa

Stewardship Highlight

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Song of the Month

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Todd Galberth - Come in