Well, that is another Valentine’s Day successfully navigated—no awkward last-minute trips to the supermarket. I remembered the card and everything! Now I just need to remember our dating anniversary, our wedding anniversary, and, of course, Jen’s birthday. These may seem like little things, but they are incredibly important. Relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, need careful tending. Relationships, like vineyards, flourish when nurtured with care but can be easily damaged by small, creeping threats. There is a story in the bible about foxes that do just that in Song of Songs we read, “Catch the foxes for us—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom.” This poetic but unexpected caution serves as a profound metaphor for the small issues that, left unchecked, can erode even the strongest bonds.
Often, it’s not grand betrayals or dramatic conflicts that cause relationships to wither, but the accumulation of minor slights, criticisms, and neglect. A little gossip, a little ingratitude, a little lack of attention—these things can seem insignificant on their own, but over time, they undermine trust and affection. The little foxes sneak in through our words, our actions, and even our silence. Criticism can creep into our conversations so easily. A casual remark about a spouse’s forgetfulness, a co-worker’s inefficiency, or a friend’s habits—when repeated, these comments chip away at the foundation of respect and appreciation. Similarly, gossip, though often disguised as harmless discussion, can sow discord and create unnecessary divisions. In today's digital world, social media often amplifies negativity, making it even easier for small grievances to spiral into division.
The enemy of relationships isn’t always hatred; often, it’s complacency. If we are not careful, the little foxes of neglect, resentment, and selfishness can slip in unnoticed. But just as Song of Solomon calls us to catch these foxes, we are called to actively protect our relationships. To protect our relationships and ourselves, we must be vigilant. We must identify where negativity takes root and make a conscious effort to replace it with proactive behaviours and actions. As 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us, love is patient, kind, and does not keep a record of wrongs. It requires deliberate action—choosing kindness over criticism, gratitude over entitlement, and connection over isolation.
Practicing love in everyday life means watching our words and ensuring they build up rather than tear down. It means making time for those we care about, even when life is busy. It means noticing and appreciating the little things—a thoughtful gesture, a shared laugh, a moment of support. These acts of love strengthen relationships and prevent small grievances from festering into larger issues.
I wonder what the effect on our families, friendships, and communities would be if we were intentional about cultivating positive relationships. Let’s chase away the little foxes by speaking life, extending grace, and showing appreciation. In doing so, we allow love to flourish, creating relationships that are resilient, joyful, and protected.
