From a Relationship for Relationships

You were created from a Relationship (The Trinity) for relationships (with God and each other). 

Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us." 

Romans 5:11 "So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."  

Acts 2: 44-47 "And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." 

Relationships are important to God. If they are important to God, then they should be important to us. We were NEVER meant to walk through this world alone. God made us so that we could have a relationship with Him and others.

Relationships have changed my life. It was through relationship with other Christian women that I found myself studying God's Word for the first time years ago and growing in my faith. It was relationships with other Christians that helped sustain my husband and I when we have walked through hard times in this broken world. I bet you could also think of times when your peeps have helped you through some hard times.

Because I know that relationships are so important, it grieves me to think there are people in my neighborhood and my city that do not have a community of Believers around them. There are people walking through very hard life situations (homelessness, illness, loss of loved ones, financial chaos, etc.) feeling like they are alone in their circumstances. God created The Church as the plan for helping people. The Church is Plan A.  There is no Plan B. 

How do we build relationship? Well, we have to look where we are planted. We have to ask God where we can serve others. We have to be intentional in doing this or if your schedule is anything like my schedule it will never happen. We must be real, and we must be approachable. But the number one thing you can do to build relationships, is to LISTEN. 

• Who in your sphere of influence needs to be in a relationship with other Christians?
• What can you do to schedule some time to be intentional with building relationships with others?

Lord, forgive us when we have missed opportunities for relationships. We want to be a Church that is useful in helping others and bringing glory to your name. Open our eyes to the possibilities we have with relationships, Lord. - In Jesus' name - Amen.

For a deeper study read:

• Acts 2: 42-47.  Make a list of what a community should look like according to these verses. Where do you need to do better with being a community member?
• Read Isaiah 58. Make a list of how God wants us to spend our time according to these verses. What will be the result of us living that way according to these verses?