Failure & Love Trailer – A Biblical Perspective on Doing Your Best

A Heartfelt Thank You — and a Beautiful New Beginning

Thank you so much for being part of the Failure and Love Series. It’s been an honour to walk with you in this sacred space. Your presence and support have meant more than words can say. But something new has been stirring in my spirit… God is calling me deeper — into a ministry of healing and identity. In this special transition episode, I share why Failure & Love is shifting into something different and introduce my new podcast, Beloved: Faith, Healing, Knowing You Are Loved — a space created especially for women longing to heal emotional wounds (especially father wounds) and step into their identity as beloved daughters of God. If Failure and Love ministered to your heart, I know you’ll find comfort and encouragement in what’s coming next. Some episodes will still be shared on this podcast is you wish to continue listening here but will not be on a regular schedule. You can find Beloved on all major podcast platforms — or head here [https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/4256474/s/220526.rss] to subscribe and listen. Check out the new episodes! Let’s continue this journey together. You are deeply loved, and the best is still to come. Get full access to Beloved with Cherise Rochelle at cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe [https://cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Iron Sharpens Iron: The Truth About Godly Friendship | Failure & Love | Friendship Series

Are your friendships helping you grow—or keeping you stuck? In this episode of Failure & Love: My Failures, God’s Love, Cherise Rochelle dives deep into the difference between godly counsel and unwise advice in friendship. Sharing a personal story about asking two friends for advice about the same guy, Cherise reveals how not all advice—even well-meaning—is created equal. One friend praised surface-level traits… the other pointed her back to faith, values, and God’s wisdom. 💡 Topic Highlights: * Why some friendships dull your spirit instead of sharpening it * What Proverbs 27:17 “iron sharpens iron” really means * How to discern whether a friend is offering godly counsel or worldly advice * The power of accountability and earnest counsel in Christian friendships * Are you the kind of friend who sharpens others? 📖 Dive into in-depth Bible study on: * Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron: what it means spiritually and culturally * Proverbs 27:9 – The sweetness of a friend’s sincere advice * Plus bonus verses: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Proverbs 13:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25 🙏 Includes a heartfelt prayer for wisdom, protection from bad advice, and the courage to choose godly friendships. Whether you’re questioning the advice you’ve received—or the kind you give—this episode will inspire you to reflect deeply on who’s shaping your soul. Cherise Rochelle - For a Life in Bloom is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Beloved with Cherise Rochelle at cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe [https://cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Characteristics of a Godly Friend Part 2: Trustworthy

What does it mean to be trustworthy as a friend—and how do we know who we can trust in return? In this week's study, we continue the Failure & Love Friendship series by exploring what it means to be a godly, trustworthy friend. Trust is a foundational but often fragile part of friendship. Drawing from biblical wisdom, we reflect on what it really means to be trustworthy, what the bible says about our speech and how to speak life into others, and why we must pray for discernment when choosing who to confide in. This post is for anyone who wants to grow as a godly friend or who also wants to build godly friendships. You’ll leave this episode encouraged to walk in wisdom, build deeper relationships, and reflect Christ through your friendships. Mentioned Scriptures: * Proverbs 11:13 * Ephesians 4:29 * 2 Corinthians 11:14 Perfect for: * Christians looking for biblical friendship wisdom * Listeners healing from friendship failures * Anyone wanting to grow in love, trust, and faith Keywords:#ChristianPodcast #BiblicalFriendship #GodlyFriendship #ChristianEncouragement #FaithfulFriend #DiscernmentInRelationships #ChristianLiving #FailureAndLove #ChristianReflections #SpiritualDiscernment #BiblicalTrust #ChristianFaith #FailureAndLove Get full access to Beloved with Cherise Rochelle at cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe [https://cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Characteristics of a Godly Friend (Part 1): Loyalty

In this first episode of the Failure & Love: Friendship series, we begin by diving into "Characteristics of a Godly Friend" focusing on Loyalty. We delve into Proverbs 17:17 and Mark 12:31 to understand the biblical perspective on unwavering friendship. Key Points Discussed: * Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. * Mark 12:31: Love your neighbor as yourself. We explore the Hebrew and Greek interpretations of these verses, discuss the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and reflect on how to embody true loyalty in our friendships. Please see the study notes below. A godly friend is loyal & there for you in good times and bad Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Verse Analysis Hebrew Word Study & Breakdown * A friend (rêa‘, רֵעַ) Strong's Concordance H7453 – This Hebrew word refers to a close companion or associate, someone who shares life’s experiences with you. It can also mean a neighbour or fellow human being. * Loves (ʾāhab, אָהַב) Strong's Concordance H157 – This verb means to have deep affection or devotion. Biblical love is more than emotion—it is an ongoing commitment. * At all times (bekol-‘ēt, בְּכָל־עֵת) Strong's Concordance H3605 (כָּל, kōl) and H6256 (עֵת, ‘ēt) – This phrase emphasises consistency, meaning a true friend’s love is unwavering, no matter the circumstances. * A brother (ʾāḥ, אָח) Strong's Concordance H251 – This can mean a literal sibling, but it also symbolises deep, familial relationships, including spiritual family. * Born (yullad, יוּלַּד) Strong's Concordance H3205 – The verb means to be brought into existence or destined for a purpose. * For a time of adversity (letsārāh, לְצָרָה) Strong's Concordance H6869 – The word tsarah means distress, trouble, hardship, or suffering. This suggests that a brother (or close relationship) exists to help during life’s hardest moments. Context & Interpretation Context in Proverbs 17Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings written primarily by Solomon. Many verses in Proverbs 17 focus on relationships, wisdom, and character. Verse 17 contrasts two types of relationships: * A friend whose love is constant. * A brother who is there in times of crisis. This teaches that true friendship is enduring, while familial bonds often become most evident in hardships. Meaning & Themes * True Friendship is Unconditional – A real friend doesn’t disappear when things get tough. Love is demonstrated in loyalty and steadfastness. * Adversity Reveals Genuine Support – While friends are always present, family and those closest to us may be called upon during difficult times. * Love in Action – Love is not just about feelings but about showing up and supporting others when they need it most.  Application: How to Live This Verse * Be the kind of friend who stays – Don't just be present in good times; offer love, patience, and support when others are struggling. * Recognise your support system – Lean on trusted friends and family when facing difficulties. * Show love in action – Express love consistently, not just when convenient or easy. Reflection * Are we friends who love at all times or only in convenience? * Do we stand by our family and loved ones in their hard seasons? * Are we willing to let others support us in our adversity, or do we isolate ourselves? * Who has been that friend for you? – Think of someone who has stood by you in difficult times. How have they shown the love described in this verse? Have you thanked them? * How do you respond in times of adversity? – Are you someone who offers support when a friend is struggling, or do you find yourself withdrawing? * Pray for the strength to be a faithful friend – Ask God to help you be someone who loves at all times and supports others in their hardships. This verse challenges us to be faithful friends and rely on God-given relationships for support. Related Bible Verses * John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. * Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are better than one... If either of them falls, one can help the other up. * Proverbs 18:24 – One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. NB: This DOES NOT mean tolerating harmful behaviour, allowing mistreatment, allowing someone to drain, manipulate or abuse you. Remember the bible also says love your neighbour as yourself. How are you going to love your neighbour as yourself if you don't love yourself? Mark 12:31  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.  Verse Analysis Greek Word Study & Breakdown * The second is this (deutera haute estin, δευτέρα αὕτη ἐστίν) – The phrase refers to the second greatest commandment, following the first: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). * Love (agapēseis, ἀγαπήσεις) Strong's Concordance G25 – The verb agapáō means selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. It is not based on emotions but on deliberate action. * Your neighbour (ton plēsion sou, τὸν πλησίον σου) Strong's Concordance G4139 – The word plēsion means someone close by and, in the biblical context, refers to anyone you encounter, not just friends or family. * As yourself (hōs seauton, ὡς σεαυτόν) Strong's Concordance G4572 – This phrase means to care for others with the same concern you have for your own well-being. * No commandment greater (meizōn entolē allē ouk estin, μείζων ἐντολὴ ἄλλη οὐκ ἐστίν) – Jesus places these two commandments (love God and love others) above all others, showing that love is at the core of God’s law. Context & Interpretation Context in Mark 12 * A teacher of the law asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest (Mark 12:28). * Jesus responds with two commandments from the Old Testament: * Deuteronomy 6:5 – Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. * Leviticus 19:18 – Love your neighbour as yourself. * By combining these, Jesus shows that true faith is not just about religious duty, but about love—both toward God and others. Meaning & Themes * Love as the Foundation of the Law – Every commandment in the Bible is rooted in love for God and love for people. * Love in Action – Loving others is not just about feelings but practical actions that reflect care, kindness, and justice. * Self-Love as a Basis – Jesus assumes that people naturally look after their own well-being, so He commands them to extend that same care to others. Application: How to Live This Verse * See others through God’s eyes – Love is not selective. We are called to love even those who are difficult(Matthew 5:44). * Express love through actions – Kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and service are ways to show love (1 John 3:18). * Balance self-care and love for others – Healthy self-love enables us to love others without resentment or burnout. Related Bible Verses * Matthew 22:39 – And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ * Luke 10:25-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan, which explains who our neighbor is. * 1 John 4:7-8 – Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Summary: A true friend does not withdraw when things are difficult. They are present in both hard times and joyful ones. Proverbs 17:17 emphasises unconditional love and loyalty in friendship, especially during adversity. While it encourages us to stand by our friends through tough seasons, it does not mean we should enable harmful behaviour or allow ourselves to be mistreated. Loving others begins with loving yourself in a healthy way. When you constantly pour into others without caring for your own mental and emotional well-being, it becomes difficult to sustain meaningful, loving relationships. Setting boundaries is one way to honour both yourself and your friends. Boundaries protect your mental health and help ensure that relationships remain respectful, balanced, and supportive. Mark 12:31 highlights the deep connection between love for God and love for others. True obedience to God is expressed through love in action, extending the same care and compassion to others that we offer ourselves. This verse invites us to live selflessly, serve with humility, and love with intention, just as Christ has loved us. True sacrificial love is not about running on empty or ignoring your own needs. It is about choosing to serve others from a place of genuine love, rather than obligation or guilt. Cherise Rochelle - For a Life in Bloom is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Beloved with Cherise Rochelle at cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe [https://cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Failure & Love Trailer – A Biblical Perspective on Doing Your Best

Welcome to the official launch of my new series, Failure & Love: My Failures, God’s Love! In this series, I’ll be sharing mistakes I’ve made, lessons I’ve learned, and how God’s grace continues to shape me into the person He’s called me to be. Today, I want to talk about something we all struggle with at times: doing our best. But what does that really mean? And how do we avoid falling into the trap of comparison or perfectionism? When I first started preparing for this series, I spent time watching other podcasts, researching best practices, and trying to refine my approach. What was supposed to be inspiration quickly became comparison—I found myself trying to be like those creators rather than being my authentic self. That’s when I was reminded: God doesn’t call us to be the best version of someone else. He calls us to be the best version of who He created us to be. 1. Being Your Best Self is About Authenticity, Not Comparison Worldly Perspective: * Success is often measured by how well we keep up with trends and match society’s expectations. * Comparison is the norm—if someone else is doing better, we feel like we’re failing. Biblical Perspective: * We are all created uniquely, with different gifts and callings. * Trying to imitate others makes us lose sight of what God has specifically given us to do. Scripture reference: Romans 12:6 (NIV)"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." When I realised I was measuring myself against people with entire production teams, it hit me—that’s not what God asked of me. My best isn’t supposed to look like their best. Lesson: Your best isn’t someone else’s. God values your obedience, not how polished or perfect something looks compared to others. 2. Doing Your Best Means Giving God What You Have, Not What You Don’t Worldly Perspective: * If you don’t have the resources, skills, or experience, you might as well not even try. * “Success” is often seen as something only for those with the best opportunities. Biblical Perspective: * God honours faithfulness, not worldly success. * The widow in Mark 12:41-44 gave only two small coins, but Jesus said she gave more than anyone else because she gave her best. Scripture reference: Mark 12:43-44 (NIV)"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." When I tried to salvage my poorly recorded video—stretching it, patching it together—I wasn’t giving my best. I was just trying to make something work. Instead of trusting God enough to redo it properly, I wasted time trying to fix something I knew wasn’t my best effort. Lesson: Give God your best with what you have. If it’s two coins, He honours it. If it’s a full production, He honours it. Just make sure it’s your best, not someone else’s best. 3. Doing Your Best Requires the Right Heart Posture Worldly Perspective: * Work hard to impress others. * If it’s not perfect, don’t even try. Biblical Perspective: * The goal isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness and a willing heart. * God sees our heart more than our performance. Scripture reference: Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV)"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load." When I watched my own video back, I knew I wouldn’t have wanted to offer that as something I did for God. Not because it wasn’t perfect, but because I knew I hadn’t put in my best effort. Lesson: Your best effort isn’t about perfection—it’s about your heart posture before God. 4. Your Best Self Works as if for the Lord Worldly Perspective: * Success is measured by external validation—likes, views, applause. * If people don’t notice, the work isn’t worth it. Biblical Perspective: * The work you do, even if unseen, is for God. * Your best self serves an audience of One. Scripture reference: Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." I had to stop and ask myself: Would I be happy to present this work to God? Or to represent Him in this way? Lesson: Excellence is about honouring God with the work that we do. Key Takeaways: * Be your authentic self – God made you unique for a reason. * Do your best with what you have – No matter how small it seems. * Don’t compare yourself to others – Focus on your journey with God. * Do everything as if you’re doing it for God – Because ultimately, you are. Final Encouragement: Start Where You Are If you’re holding back because you don’t feel “ready” or because your work doesn’t look like someone else’s—just start where you are. God sees and loves you. And I look forward to sharing more of Failure & Love with you. 💛 Get full access to Beloved with Cherise Rochelle at cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe [https://cheriserochelle.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]