Healing After Heartbreak: A Pastor’s Guide to Moving Forward

 Healing After Heartbreak: A Pastor’s Guide to Moving Forward

Heartbreak is never easy. It’s more than just a passing feeling—it’s an emotional and spiritual challenge that can shake you to your core. In the moment, it may feel like the end of the world, but I promise you, it isn’t. The pain is real, but so is the healing.

The key to overcoming heartbreak is to acknowledge your feelings and work through them with faith, patience, and intentional action. Here are some steps to help you move forward and find healing:

1. Allow Yourself to Feel the Pain

The first step in healing from heartbreak is giving yourself permission to grieve. Suppressing emotions only prolongs the healing process. Allow yourself to cry, pray, or journal your thoughts. God understands your pain, and as Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Lean on Him and know that your healing begins with honesty.

2. Cut Off Communication With Your Ex

It’s tempting to stay in touch, but continuing contact often prolongs the pain. Keeping communication open can keep wounds fresh, making it harder to move on. Consider blocking their number and removing them from social media. Give yourself the space needed to heal.

3. Surround Yourself With Supportive Friends

No one should go through heartbreak alone. Lean on your trusted friends and family for support. Reach out to your best friend, talk through your emotions, and allow them to uplift you. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Let those who love you be there for you in this season.

4. Take Care of Your Body With Exercise

Heartbreak isn’t just emotional—it’s physical. Stress and sadness can take a toll on your body, but exercise helps release endorphins, improving your mood. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a yoga session, moving your body helps your mind heal, too.

5. Travel and Experience New Things

A change of scenery can work wonders for a broken heart. Traveling doesn’t have to mean an expensive vacation—even a day trip to a new place can help refresh your perspective. Explore new experiences and remind yourself that life has so much to offer beyond this moment of pain.

6. Consider Speaking With a Counselor or Pastor

Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward healing. Speaking with a Christian counselor or pastor can provide clarity and comfort. They can help you process your emotions in a healthy way while also guiding you back to God’s promises for your life.

7. Say Yes to Social Invitations

Isolation often deepens heartbreak. Instead of withdrawing, make an effort to be around positive people. Accept invitations to gatherings, church events, and outings. Being around others will remind you that life continues and joy is still possible.

8. Focus on Your Goals and Dreams

Sometimes, relationships cause us to put our own goals on hold. Now is the perfect time to refocus on your dreams. Whether it’s career growth, ministry, or personal development, invest in yourself. Let this season be about rediscovering your purpose.

9. Take a Break From Social Media

Social media can make healing harder. Seeing reminders of your past relationship—or worse, your ex moving on—can be painful. Consider a temporary detox from social media to give yourself mental and emotional peace.

10. Serve Others and Find Purpose

Helping others is a powerful way to heal. Volunteer at church, join a community outreach program, or mentor someone in need. Serving shifts your focus from your pain to your purpose. As Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

11. Write a Letter—But Don’t Send It

If emotions are overwhelming, consider writing a letter to your ex—but never send it. This exercise helps you process feelings without re-engaging in the relationship. Once you’ve written it, pray over it, then let it go.

12. Don’t Wait for Closure

Closure doesn’t always come in the way we expect. Instead of waiting for answers, accept that some things won’t be fully understood. Trust that God knows what’s best for you and that He is leading you toward something greater.

13. Find New Hobbies and Interests

Rediscovering yourself is an important part of healing. Pick up a new hobby, learn a skill, or get involved in a creative pursuit. Keeping yourself engaged in meaningful activities will help you move forward with joy.

14. Reconnect With Old Friends

Sometimes, relationships pull us away from friendships. Use this time to reconnect with old friends. They can provide comfort, laughter, and support as you navigate your healing journey.

15. Don’t Rush Into a New Relationship

Healing takes time. Jumping into a new relationship too soon can lead to more heartache. Focus on becoming whole before seeking a new partnership. When the time is right, God will guide you to the right person who aligns with His plan for your life.

Finding Hope After Heartbreak

Heartbreak is tough, but it doesn’t define you. Remember, God has a greater plan for your life, and this pain is only a chapter, not the whole story. Trust Him, take care of yourself, and step into the bright future He has for you. Healing is possible, and joy will return.

Stay encouraged, and may God bless your healing journey.

— Pastor Rick

Pastor Rick is an Amazon Affiliate and receives a commission on recommended purchases

Here's a great book I recommend by Dr. Willard Harley... life changing!

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Faith as the Foundation: Building Stronger Relationships Through God

 

In a world that often feels disconnected, many of us yearn for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Whether it’s in our marriages, friendships, or ministry partnerships, the secret to truly flourishing relationships lies in one unchanging truth: faith must be the foundation.

At the heart of this principle is a simple but profound idea—our relationship with God serves as a blueprint for how we connect with others. When our faith is strong, our relationships are infused with the qualities that reflect God’s love: trust, patience, forgiveness, and grace.

I did not always remember to do this in many of my relationships and so I've struggled with a lot of pain caused by this emptiness brought on by a lack of spiritual undergirding in my relationships. 

Faith Strengthens Marriages

Marriage is one of the most intimate relationships designed by God, and faith plays a critical role in keeping it strong. When both partners prioritize their relationship with God, they create a shared foundation of values, purpose, and love.

Pastor Rick Greene teaches that praying together, studying Scripture, and seeking God’s guidance as a couple can transform a marriage. These practices create unity, foster understanding, and provide the tools to navigate challenges with grace.

Faith Builds Ministry Partnerships

In ministry, strong partnerships are essential for advancing God’s kingdom. But just like any relationship, ministry partnerships require trust, collaboration, and a shared mission.

Pastor Rick emphasizes that faith brings clarity and purpose to these relationships. When ministry leaders keep God at the center, they are empowered to work together harmoniously, support one another, and remain steadfast even in difficult times.

How Faith Transforms Relationships

Faith is not just a private, spiritual practice—it’s a way of life that influences how we treat others. Pastor Rick often shares these Bible-based principles to help individuals strengthen their relationships:

1. Love Unconditionally
   “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s love is unconditional, and as His children, we’re called to show that same love to others. This kind of love creates a safe space for trust and growth.

2. Practice Forgiveness
   Relationships are not perfect, but faith teaches us to forgive as God forgives us. Pastor Rick reminds us that forgiveness is not about forgetting but about letting go of resentment and seeking reconciliation.

3. Walk in Humility
   Faith humbles us, reminding us that we are all works in progress. By embracing humility, we can approach our relationships with a servant’s heart, putting others before ourselves.

4. Seek God’s Wisdom
   Scripture provides timeless wisdom for navigating relational challenges. Pastor Rick encourages individuals to turn to God’s Word for guidance, praying for discernment in every relationship.

Encouragement from Pastor Rick

Pastor Rick Greene’s mission is to help individuals deepen their connection with God, using that relationship as a guide for building bonds that last. Through practical advice and heartfelt encouragement, he shows how faith can heal wounds, strengthen connections, and lead to lasting joy.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your marriage, build stronger ministry partnerships, or simply become a better friend, start by focusing on your faith. When you allow God to be the foundation of your relationships, you’ll discover a love and strength that endures through every season.

Relationships 101

Coming In April

Show Times To Be Announced Soon

"Get ready for the most electrifying show about Black love and relationships ever! 

Join Dr. Rick Greene and his all-star lineup of co-hosts, including the bold and outspoken Pastor “P” Phyllis Ramey, host of “Reflections” and the provocative, investigative journalist Tybella Harrell, host of "Keeping Christ Close", for an unfiltered and groundbreaking new show that will push the boundaries of what you thought was possible. 

From taboo topics to raw discussions about infidelity and toxic relationships, we're not afraid to challenge societal norms and explore the most controversial aspects of dating, love, marriage, sex, and divorce. Tune in on Facebook Live and YouTube streaming and engage in candid conversations that will make you question everything you thought you knew about Black love and relationships. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unleash your wildest questions to build the healthy, loving relationships you deserve!"

What you need to know about Dating, Love, Marriage, Sex, and Divorce 

Get The Book

Relationships 101: 

What you need to know about dating, 

love, marriage, sex, & divorce

My mission is to help repair the breach caused by broken relationships, which is devastating families, hurting our children, and destroying our society.

After years and years of counseling couples and individuals and many asking for copies of my messages, radio show transcripts, and counseling materials, I have finally put together a compilation of my work which can be applied to your partnership.

Relationships 101: What you need to know about dating, love, marriage, sex, & divorce provides easy to follow tips and insights which will strengthen your marriage, dating relationship, and will help you to determine if your partner is the right person for you to spend the rest of your life with.

A good relationship is more than something we want—it's something we need to be our happiest, healthiest, and most productive selves. 

Fulfilling relationships don't come automatically. They take an investment in time and energy as well as social skills, which can be learned.

There must be willingness to understand and work with your partner to meet each others needs and understand each others perspective, so that you can  find that place of connection where both of you are fulfilled; not just for your sakes, but for your family and your children as well.

Please buy Relationships 101, it will open your eyes to seek how your partner wants to be treated and how you should be treated as well.

WHY YOUR MARRIAGE WILL FAIL AND HOW TO AVOID IT!

Remember when you would have done almost anything for you husband or wife? You might have even been willing to lay down your life for them, but now that's just some distant memory. In fact, you might even be wondering if you can even save your marriage.

Click to find out mor

Why your marriage will fail, and what to do about it will show you how to change the course of your relationship with your spouse. The truth is you can read all the books, listen to all the experts, do all of the right things, and still have your marriage fail. Sometimes you have to step outside of the box and do some things that are considered unconventional to actually make an impact in your relationship that will be strong enough to make your relationship return to its plotted course.

I've observed that many people are convinced that they know what's best for their relationship, only to find that they were very wrong. Sadly people don't take the time, do the research, nor gain any experience in understanding the dynamics of relationships before they dive right in or even when they seek to help someone else’s. In fact, most of the time when people are counseled they still end divorced anyway. The bible tells us that we are transformed be the renewing of our minds, so before we can change our attitudes and change our actions we must change our minds. 

Something Important

Something profound came over me awhile back as I was sitting at my desk and praying.

I came to realize just how important the work that I am doing really is. I have been giving life and relationship counseling for over a decade to individuals and couples, and had been focusing on helping couples and marriages to reach a place of peace and to build a loving happy relationship.

What occurred to me was that it is far more important than that. For every couple I help; there is a family that is saved! And for every family that is saved there are usually children which will grow up with both parents instead of one!

And we all know that children in homes with both parents are far more likely to stay out of trouble and succeed than those in single parent homes.

So I would encourage you to explore my Life & Relationships website and discover some tips on how to strengthen your relationship to be rock solid, not only for yourself but for your children and ultimately to build up a better, safer environment for all... for we all know that as the family goes, so goes the nation!

The Honeymoon Doesn't Have To End

The word honeymoon actually means first moon or first month. It is usually thought that the beginning period of a new relationship is the best. However this is not God's view for your marriage. 

Your relationship should actually get better as time goes on. Scripture tells us that, "Our latter years should be greater than our former years."

The key is putting your partner first. Just as when your first met. Your desire was to please your partner by submitting to each other, giving to each other, and considering each others desires above your own. 

You didn't realize it at the time, but you were actually employing the biblical principal of mutual submission. But as time went on, you gradually started to take each other for granted and focus on your own desires rather than your partner's.

If you both rediscover the principal of of mutual submission, your honeymoon will never end!

The Power of a Woman

As I thought about the unspoken and perhaps unknown influence that my love has over me, I couldn't help but be reminded of the power that women actually have in the world. Since birth, the woman is the one who has loved, nurtured, trained, and inspired every man on the planet! Women have an enormous amount of power yet don't always seek to or know how to use it to change the destiny of their families. We will discuss more in upcoming episodes.

How To Make Love

While most people become intrigued by the art of physical love making it is important to remember that before the physical can be meaningful and true; there must come the mental and emotional states of love. This is true love; and thats the most important aspect of love that we must lean how to make.

Beware of those Who Lack Discretion

Respectable men and women don't give out details about their sexual encounters. In fact they may be so discreet that you would never know that they were even in a relationship at all. 

Beware of the person who is ready to give out intimate details about their relationships, past or present... If they can't maintain a level of discretion concerning the person whom they've shared intimacy, how much discretion will they have for you and your circumstances.

If your partner can't discern which things are just supposed to be reserved for just the two of you just because of they need to inflate their egos, then chances are their faithfulness at some point will be an issue too!

Don't Cause Her To Feel Single!

A woman is fully capable of being faithful. It is not so much in their nature, although it is of course possible, to be drawn to someone else when they are already in a relationship.

Temptation is not her weakness. That's one of the key issues with men... wondering eyes will often lead to a compromise of values and succumbing to physical lusts.

What most women want is Love, Attention, Honesty, and Loyalty. These things, admittedly by most men, are emotional needs that men either struggle with expressing, do not care to express, or, are simply "clueless" to the fact that they exist and are essential to fulfillment,  joy and happiness to most women.

Love her! Love is best expressed through giving and sacrifice. Give to her, your time, your things, but most importantly your heart. Share yourself with her. Sacrifice yourself, put her desires above yours, sacrifices your wants fans desires to see that hers are fulfilled

Pay attention to her. This shows her that you value her and that her opinions and ideas are respected and that they are important to you. She needs this.

Be honest with her. Even when the truth may be unpleasant, tell her the truth. Her intuition will alert her if you are not, and she will sense that something is not right. If you are no longer wanting to be with her then tell her. Be honest. Don't cheat 

Be loyal. Be faithful. Be monogamous! Trust her and put her first.

Remember that before she "cheats" she will wine. cry, and complain about all the things that make her unhappy. Listen to her, open up your heart to what she's saying. If you don't understand, ask her to explain it so that you are clear as to what she's feeling. You must know her on this level. This IS intimacy! and sadly many couples lose their intimacy as their relationships move through time.

These are all warnings before the destruction of the relationship comes. So pay attention to your woman, and never cause her to feel like she's alone and single or thats how she will act. Like a single woman, and you will lose her forever.

5 SECRETS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP GREAT!

For years people have been saying, "Write The Book!" and I have resisted; not because I didn't want to, nor because I didn't have the tools to share to help my audience, but simply because of time constraints due to the other "hats" I wear.

However I am now happy to announce that "5 Secrects That Will Make Your Relationship Great!" will be published very shortly... I guarantee that if you will apply these 5 secrets to you partnership you will see an amazing difference in you overall relationship happiness, more fun just being together, and increased and more enjoyable lovemaking sessions!

                                

What I am going to show in the few pages of the "manual" will change your life... Forever!

The secrets are very easy to master, theres no additional costs involved, nor is there thing that you have to pay for in order to Make Your Relationship Great!

I will however give you a hint of what it is that is the foundation to Make Your Relationship Great. The key is knowing some specific likes, and desires of your partner, but most importantly understanding their NEEDS!  

Stay tuned. This book is scheduled for release November 

4 Characteristics of The Right Loving Relationship

The truth is, more marriages end in divorce these days than stay intact for life. We have to be sure, that who we’re committing our life to is the one that we can spend the rest of our life with.
Believe it or not more people divorce than stay married. I am convinced that this is simply because the person that was chosen, was the wrong person in the beginning. 
Here’s how you can tell that you may have found Mr. or Miss Right!

4 Characteristics of “The Right” 

Loving Relationship

1. You are best friends.
Your friendship is not only the foundation of your relationship but it is also the glue which keeps it together. You have to "connect" physically, socially, relationally, and this will lead to the two of you having a great sexual connection.
However, at the end of the day when all of the activity is done; you should be trilled just to be sitting on the sofa and watching TV together. In that moment you will know that nothing else matters but the fact that the two of you are together! Make sure you’re best friends; it is a prerequisite for a loving lasting marriage

2. You agree spiritually.
This is major. Paul tells us in 2nd Corinthians 6 that we are not to be unequally yoked. Priorities, temptations, challenges, and struggles will come in any relationship let alone one that's not bound together spiritually.  And when the storms of a marriage relationship come, it’s important that you agree on who can help fix it. Many marriages end because people didn’t get this right. Be careful. 

3. You totally trust them.
The most important aspect of any relationship is trust. Along with that goes communication If you find yourself doubting your trust for your boyfriend or girlfriend, don’t take the next step yet. Be sure you can trust them 100-percent with your time, your stuff, their actions, and their words. If not, then work on it until you do.

4. You don't think about anyone else.
If you still think about who else is out there or if it could still work with an EX, don’t get married. You must be committed to the one you are with now, otherwise you are destined to fail, even before you get started Be sure he or she is the right one for you … no one else!

Making Decisions... As A Couple!

Scripture tells us that If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 
(Mark 3:25)  And thus couples must learn to make decisions together as partners; because all of your major decisions will affect both of you and the children as well.

When one of you is left out of the decision making process it can lead to anger, resentment, and even hatred. Some partners will for example go out and buy expensive items on credit without consulting their partner and it often times leads to putting the couple in a financial bind. And this as you may very well know will lead to resentment, anger, and even hatred.

Remember when your decisions are based on fairness and equality you entire family will benefit... not just you! What do you think?

How To Make Love!

Everybody wants to be loved, appreciated, cared about, and treated well; however relationships are complex and getting to that special place with a partner is not a always an easy, quick trip. Simply put, if you want to be loved then love first! If you want to be treated well, then treat your friend well first! Somebody has to go first; I know its scary, and there are fears and apprehensions involved but you will never experience the joy of being in an awesome loving relationship if you are not willing to risk opening up your heart to someone. BE THE FIRST TO LOVE... AND MOST LIKELY YOU WILL BE LOVED IN RETURN! What do you think?

Falling In Love... Over And Over Again

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PASTOR RICK: I have found that many people will stray from their marriages and go out seeking for a "new" love.
The truth of the matter is that in order to have an everlasting relationship it involves finding the "new love" within your current partner. You and your mate are fearfully and wonderfully made, and there is so much more to discover about your partner that you have not yet experienced. Spend more time dedicated solely to them, and you will find yourself falling in love with them over and over again... but only if you take the time to explore their souls more intimately!

Pain

Everyone will experience pain in a relationship. But we must remember that pain is indicative that there is something very wrong. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PAIN OR CAUSING PAIN TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE, KNOW THAT YOU MUST STOP IT IMMEDIATELY. Because, the longer it goes on, the greater separation it will cause between you and the one you love. And remember that where there is pain there is very little room for love.

The Little Things Often Matter The Most

When I think about all of the wonderful times my fiancee and I have spent together, it always makes me feel good to just look over at her while we are just sitting on the sofa, watching TV, to look into her eyes and see a great big smile of joy... which comes from just being together with the person you're in love with. YOU SHOULD GIVE TO YOUR PARTNER ALL THAT YOU CAN, SO THAT THEIR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH JOY... JUST TO BE WITH YOU! What do you think?

A Few Words Can Fill Your Partner's Heart With Greater Love And Appreciation For You

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PASTOR RICK: ** A Few Words Can Fill Your Partner's Heart With Greater Love And Appreciation For You**

My love just sent me a text, it said, "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I THANK GOD FOR YOU COMING INTO MY LIFE."

This touched my heart and caused me to feel a thankfulness to God, a deeper love for her, and a greater appreciation for her... being in my life! 

Say Or Text A Few Words Into Your Partners Life That Will Bless Them And Encourage Them, And In The Process Will Strengthen Your Relationship! What do you think?

Great Relationships

      

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PASTOR RICK: **Great Relationships** Great relationships aren't great because life's situations are always ideal. You shouldn't just give up just because you are having problems. Great relationships are great because two people care enough about each other to be willing to work through their problems to find a way to make their relationship work! What do you think?