Some of the greatest words of spiritual gifts, unity, interpersonal relationship and love in Scripture are found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and 13. Listen as I read 1 Corinthians 12:18-25, to you. “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seems weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.”(NLT)
The real way to make your life beautiful lies in the beauty of the right relationship with God.
Love and relationships are a central theme in the Bible, beginning in Genesis and culminating in Revelation. God designed us for a relationship with Him. The whole of Scripture speaks of our relationship with Almighty God: how to have it, how to hold onto it, how to rest in it, how to communicate it, how to enjoy it. The key to make your life more meaningful, Jesus said ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"This why St. Augustine said, “our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Thee.”
Remember, even the smallest things in life with God has beauty in itself. But, God did not want us to just have relationship with Him alone. He created others that we might also learn to live with and love those He places in our lives. If there is one thing that will help us get to the next level in our lives, it is divinely ordained relationships. How does God relate to man? Since the creation of the world, God’s relationship to man has been defined by specific requirements and promises. God has been interested in redeeming and reconciling all peoples to Himself. As God’s children, it is vital that we see the world as He sees. Let's look at the Bible in light of God's heart for the world, and we will see that from Genesis to the Revelation He is beckoning us to join Him in bringing every people to His kingdom. So the most basic foundation for understanding our personal identity is the biblical revelation that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, which make man, capable of relating with other persons, of thinking, reflecting and rational.
What gives us a sense of identity, or realization? Without question, Relationship is the foundation of all identities. From our identities we get our heritage, affirmation, feelings of self-worth and self esteem. However whenever our relationship goes sour, it likewise affects our self-worth self esteem and sense of importance. Above all relationships is our relationship with God from which we derive our eternal identity. Therefore the most important relationship is our relationship with God. This relationship with God will affect all other relationships and put them on sound footing if we invite God into those relationships.
In the Bible there are a great number of words, phrases, and expressions that are especially significant in the creative and redemptive plan of God. One of the first such phrases was uttered by God Himself before ever He brought mankind into being when He said, "Let us make man in our image." (Genesis 1:26)
The above purpose statement reveals six unique facts about man.
First fact is that we are creative like our creator because God is creative: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1),
Second, we are spiritual because God is Spirit: "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters" (Genesis 1:2).
Third we can communicate because God communicates: "God said, 'Let there be light'" (Genesis 1:3).
Fourth we are intelligent because God is intelligent: "In the beginning was the Word [logos, a Greek word meaning reason, or logic] and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1).
Fifth we are relational because God is relational: “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. ... It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 2:18). The phrase, "Let us make man in our image" reveals the very nature of God. The very essence of God is relational, and that essential quality has been imprinted on humans. This capacity for a relationship with God extends to humans, which is why the Genesis story declares that God created Eve for Adam because "it is not good for man to be alone. “
Sixth fact is we are moral because God is a moral being. “And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die’" (Genesis 2:16-17).
Just as there are natural laws that govern the universe, universal moral laws govern human behavior. The Bible teaches that these laws are written on human hearts and are universal. God exhibits all of these characteristics, as do people. “Man is great,” but what makes him great is that God has created him in His image.” At the very least this means humans occupy a higher place in the created order because we alone are imprinted with godlike characteristics. Your godlikeness is the path to your greatest fulfillment. You will feel the greatest pleasure and wholeness when who God made you to be is fully discovered and expressed. To be fully human is to fully reflect God's creative, spiritual, intelligent, communicative, relational, moral and purposeful capacities, and to do so holistically and synergistically. Furthermore, though all humans possess these godlike capacities, each of us has the potential to express them distinctively, because God's image has been imprinted uniquely on each of us. In God's infinite creativity there are no duplicates; you are the only you there has ever been or ever will be. There are over Seven Billon people on the planet today; every person is of infinite inherent value. Every person belongs to God and is made to enjoy a positive relationship with God.
The Covenant Relationship
A covenant is a binding agreement between two or more parties that involves the exchange of strengths for weaknesses. Marriages are covenant relationships because they are designed to operate based on this exchange. There are other relationships that can be classified as covenant, such as certain God-ordained friendships, companionship relationships, and mentorships. Sometimes God places leaders in people’s lives to provide the guidance and direction they never received from their natural mother or father. Another type of covenant relationship is that which exists between a pastor and congregation. There is something about life that requires us to walk through it with someone else. God never intended for us to be islands, which is why relationships are so vital. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says something very interesting: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. The three-fold cord described in this passage can be likened to a relationship that includes God, you, and the covenant relationship He has placed in your life.
God's love for man
The Bible, the world's most read book, sets forth the greatest love story ever told. It is a love story unlike no other, underscored by the countless demonstrations of God's love for man. If there's one thing people need to hear over and over again, it's this: God loves you. I believe the greatest thing God wants to hear from us is, "I love You, Lord. Everyone wants to have successful and healthy relationships with their Spouse, family members, friends and others, but often find that to be easier said than done. Are you ever asked “What’s the most important relationship in YOUR life? What relationship gives you 100% security, support, has your back, loves you unconditionally and even guides you?” Beyond question getting to know God intimately is the most rewarding thing one can attain in this brief life.
What is Relationship?
Relationships are the lifeblood of human existence. Relationship is a connection, affiliation, kinship, association, a bond between you and God or other people. Every generation comes up with its own terms for the relationship process. The Bible called it “Covenant Relationship,” Covenant as defined by the Scriptures is a solemn and binding relationship which is meant to last a life time. By making God your biggest priority, you will find that the key to successful relationships is to first have one with God. One of the main reasons for this relationship is vital because you are an original masterpiece created by the God who made all things and your purpose and security in life is found only in Him.
Why the Relationship with God is significant?
When you take care of your relationship with God seriously, it has a positive effect on your well being and your relationships with others. Your relationship to God has many different aspects: God is your Creator and Maker, Lord and Master, Judge, Redeemer, Father, Savior, and much more (Psalm 89:26, 95:6, 136:3; Isaiah 33:22, 47:4; John 13:13; 1 John 3:1; Jude 1:4). But the most shocking truth is this: Almighty God yearns to be your Friend! God offers his friendship freely to all, but many people reject this because they think it means "religion". Having a relationship with God is simple, just as any friendship should be. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16) -- then you and your friends can know -- enough to prove God is real for yourself and then bless the whole world with God's Love. Developing a closer relationship with God is an admirable goal and reflects a heart that is truly reborn, for only those who are in Christ desire a closer relationship with God.
Christianity is not really a religion at all. This is because religion is actually a system made by man that is orchestrated to make him right with God by going through the hoops of various rituals, good works and sacrifices. On the other hand, Christianity is centered on God bringing Himself physically down to the world in the form of Jesus Christ to sacrificially die for our sins – to offer us eternal life. By believing in Him and his redemption work, we’re saved. This leaves little room for hierarchy among men. This is so we can only boast in God – not ourselves. Paul puts this better.”For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” —Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) So, there’s little left for us to do to make ourselves better in God’s eyes. Out of love and appreciation – not obligation – for what He’s already done for us, we are privileged to share the Good News with those who haven’t heard. To this end, I don’t want to be known for being religious … but for being in intimacy and love with my Lord and Savior. It’s a relationship – not a ritual!
How to re-establish a relationship with God?
Before Adam sinned, he had sweet and perfect relationship and fellowship with God. He enjoyed the presence of God. However when he sinned he lost his innocence and stated to hide from God because he was afraid. The same happens to us when we sin against God. When Adam sinned by disobeying God's command, he was cast out of God's presence, and Paradise was lost. Every human being born into the world since that time has inherited a sinful nature, a pre-disposition to do wrong, an inclination towards evil. This is why when a person is born into this world; he is born a sinner, who is spiritually and morally alienated from a holy God. The Bible teaches that” all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" in Romans 3:23, and that "there is none righteous, no, not one" in Romans 3:10. Man is a sinner because he has a sinful nature that he inherited from his father Adam. Sin breaks the relationship, causes a rift, and introduces separation, darkness, alienation, estrangement, isolation, loss and fear.
The Bible says natural man is "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1) The scriptures also tell us that the natural man is "alienated" from God and lost mankind is an "enemy" of God "in their minds" (Col. 1:21).But Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The good news that Jesus Christ brought to us is the ultimate message of reconciliation. It is the story of a loving Father, broken hearted over the separation of the family that He created. It is the story of His loving Son, who couldn't bear to see His Father's pain and offered up His own life as a ransom for many. The death of Jesus enabled the entire world to come back home to God. This was the Father's plan from the beginning...to be reconciled to us and to restore all that had been lost as a result of man's fall in the Garden of Eden.
The reconciliation that needs to happen between man and God goes both ways. God’s first act in reconciling us to himself was to remove the obstacle that separated him from us—the guilt of our sin. He took the steps we could not take to remove his own judgment by sending Jesus to suffer in our place: “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10). Reconciliation from our side is simply to receive what God has already done, the way we receive an infinitely valuable gift. So Reconciliation is a relationship term. It is another word-picture for the gospel, since reconciliation means to make peace between those who used to be enemies. The gospel tells us that we, who were once enemies of God, are now his friends. Actually, we are more than friends—we are loved as children and heirs—but the word reconciliation helps make the point that we used to be God's enemies, and have now been set right through Jesus Christ. The truth of the matter is that for man to be saved and be a part of the family of God again there is a Relationship that must be re-established.
How was our reconciliation achieved? God made Jesus, who was sinless, to be sin on our behalf. As Paul explains elsewhere, he died for us. He was the perfect sin offering, and the result is that in him, "we might become the righteousness of God." (Romans 5:8–11) Jesus’ death on the cross makes it possible for our sins to be forgiven, for us to have peace with God, for us to be counted righteous with him, in right relationship with him.(2 Corinthians 5:18–19) It is sometimes said that Christianity is not a religion—it is a relationship. Of course, in sociology, Christianity is correctly classified as a religion. When people say that Christianity is not a religion, they are making the point that our faith is not just a list of things we do for God, not just a series of rituals, not just a set of behaviors—it is an interactive, personal ever loving-relationship with God. God does want us to do certain things and to have certain behaviors, but the greatest commandment of all is to love God with all our being (Matthew 22:37–38). Our relationship with him is to be characterized by love. He has already shown us his love for us; we are to respond with love for him.
Not all relationships are permanent or should be made permanent. You need the wisdom of God to be able to differentiate these categories of people otherwise you may frustrate yourself holding on to people who have contradictory to the image of God . In Luke gospel 15, Jesus tells the story of a man who has two sons. The younger one or the prodigal son had a relationship with his father but that relationship was broken when he felt he was old enough to handle life and wanted his inheritance which he took and left home for a far country. When he left home, his relationship was broken. In the far country he had various other relationships which were tenuous and insubstantial. He had fair weather friends who perched when the money was flowing and flew when the bank went burst. The prodigal son is a classical illustration of a returning back to God. Relationship was broken through the son's waywardness and rebellion. As soon as he returned and began to cry out his confession, Relationship was restored. The father ran and fell on his neck and embraced him.
Relationship is becoming a member of the family of God, by faith in Jesus Christ. It is established by asking him to come into our heart. The Bible speaks of this as the "New Birth," as being "born again" and "adopted" into the family of God. In John gospel chapter 3:1-8, the Lord Jesus explained the New Birth. In doing this, He taught that there are two births. There is the physical birth, or the natural birth - Nicodemus recognized this first birth as being born into this world from his "mother's womb" in John 3:4. A person enters the human family through the first birth, but to enter the heavenly family a person must experience the second birth or Spiritual birth. This second birth is a supernatural, one. The Lord called it being "born of the Spirit" in John 3: 5, 6& 8, and called it being "born again" in John 3:3. Jesus Christ told Nicodemus in John 3:7: "Ye must be born again." When a person is born again, at that moment they have established a relationship with the God of Heaven.
How is one born again? We find in John 1:12 -13, says “But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God. They became God’s children, but not in the way babies are usually born. It was not because of any human desire or plan. They were born from God himself." The New Birth is experienced by those who RECEIVE CHRIST BY BELIEVING ON HIS NAME. To "receive" Christ means to accept Him, to receive and accept Him as your Saviour and Lord. To "believe on His name" means to TRUST IN, to RELY ON, to DEPEND UPON, the Lord Jesus Christ to save you from your sins.
The Bible calls this the "New Birth," or being "born again." It also calls it being "saved." This relationship is established when you gave your Heart to God. John makes that clear at the end of His letter in 1 John 5:12 RSV. "He who has the Son has life [that is relationship]; but he who has not the Son of God has not life [he does not have a relationship].” And every person can experience fullness of life by relating to God through Christ, and by following the teaching and example of Jesus, who is the complete revelation of the image of God. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,”
We can come to know friendship with God, not only through salvation in Jesus Christ, but also in our day-by-day experience. We must start, of course, by coming to Christ and receiving His salvation. But we can also learn to walk with God in friendship, in relationship. This is established both because we've been born again and because we are also walking with Him. Jesus had walked with his disciples for three years when one day He said to them, "No longer do I call you servants... but I have called you friends" (John 15:15). When we have a real relationship with God through Christ, life gets exciting because He stirs up a passion inside us to love people—and we don't have to struggle to do the things He calls us to do. It just happens naturally. I believe Jesus died so we could have a living, vital relationship with God, not just a bunch of rules and regulations we're forced to follow. Yes, there are certain guidelines God wants us to follow, but His purpose in giving them is to protect us from the consequences of sin. Since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.” (Romans 5:10 NLT)
God’s ideal in relationship
In Eden we see God’s ideal relationship with Adam and Eve. They enjoyed an intimate friendship with God. There were no rituals, ceremonies, or religion — just a simple loving relationship between God and the people he created. Unhindered by guilt or fear, Adam and Eve delighted in God, and he delighted in them. We were made to live in God’s continual presence, but after the fall, that ideal relationship was lost. Only a few people in Old Testament times had the privilege of friendship with God. Moses and Abraham were called “friends of God,” David was called “a man after my own heart,” and Job, Enoch, and Noah had intimate friendships with God (Genesis 5:22 (NLT), 6:8; Exodus 33:11, 17; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Job 29:4; Isaiah 41:8; Acts 13:22; James 2:23). Friendship with God is possible only because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. “All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends” (2 Corinthians 5:18).The old hymn says, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” but actually, God invites us to enjoy friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity: our Father, (1 John 1:3), the Son (1 Corinthians 1:9), and the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).
The greatest commandment in the law is to love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:35-38). “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome”. (1 John 5:3NLT). And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6). Moreover, Jesus said, "If you love me, obey my commandments. (John 14:15NLT). Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." (John 14:21NLT). When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. (John 15:10NLT).
Marriage Relationship
In the beginning, because it was not good for man to be alone, God took from the side of Adam his own flesh and bone to make for him a helper suitable for him. Then, as Bible says, "For this cause a man shall leave (abandon, forsake) his father and his mother, and shall cleave (be joined, bonded, cemented) to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (Gen. 2:18-24). Prophet Malachi later wrote that marriage is basically a covenant relationship witnessed by God. A covenant is more than a simple contract; a covenant is based upon solemn promises (vows) of loyalty and faithfulness. This covenant relationship is designed and governed by God, who declares the terms, responsibilities, and conditions. The sexual union of husband and wife affirms and perpetuates the bond of the "one flesh" covenant. That is why adultery is so destructive; it is dealing treacherously with the wife of thy covenant (Mal. 2:14-16).
Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman that binds them together for life. Gen.2:24 says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse tells us that marriage involves the husband and wife severing ties of intimate relationships with parents to cleave to each other. It involves coming together into a permanent bond of unity. It means becoming physically intimate with each other as one flesh. Marriage involves three elements, commitment, care and concern, and emotion. When a Christian marries he or she is making a commitment to fulfill the responsibility God ordains for the husband or wife to fulfill. He or she is making a commitment to have care and concern for the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental welfare of his or her marriage partner. It also involves the joy of romantic desire/attraction and intimacy and sexual desire/attraction and intimacy. The Song of Songs, the dialogue between King Solomon and his bride, is a celebration of the romantic and physical love between a husband and wife. It shows that God desires that they enjoy the blessings of the union He created. Song of Songs 1:2 says “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is more delightful than wine.” Husbands and wives are to rejoice in each other’s love both romantically and sexually.
Friendship relationship
We see In 1 Samuel 18:1-3 verses 3 say “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” Jonathan and David give us an example of a covenant relationship--one in which there is unconditional acceptance, loyalty and commitment to one another. It is the fulfillment of Jesus' words in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The New Testament Greek word for this love and fellowship is koinonia. It means a relationship with God and other believers that are interwoven in covenant. It implies a deliberate, deep commitment with open, honest caring and sharing. It was commonly used to refer to an enduring commitment of a business partnership or a marriage. We must be able to recognize and honor covenant relationships because they are bridges to our success and prosperity.
Proverbs gives several characteristics of friends and friendships. Prov.17: 17 says, “A friend loves at all times.” Prov.18: 24 says, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Prov.27: 6 says, “When a friend rebukes you, that rebuke can be trusted.” Prov.27: 9 says, “The pleasantness of having a friend springs from his earnest counsel.” Prov.27: 10 says, “Do not forsake your friend.” These verses bring out the fact that the Lord blesses friendship and encourages us to develop them. Friendship involves three foundational elements, commitment to fulfill the responsibility of a friend, care and concern for the welfare of your friend, and affection. The word "friend" means someone you like who also likes you. This liking involves a "friendship kind of" affection based often on personality and common likes and interests.
Church relationship
The cross is one of the world's most visibly recognized icons with its vertically pointing element representing this quintessential union between God and man. It is the intersecting horizontal plane symbolizing the day-to-day relationships among humans that especially benefit from the guidance found in the "Inspired Word of God." Bible says “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3NLT
If we have accepted Christ as our Savior we have become children of God. God is our Father and other Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should treat other Christians as such. Our Father deeply loves and desires that we show love to each other, that is seek each other's highest spiritual good. 1 Jn.3: 1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" Gal.5: 13 says, “Rather serve one another in love.” Heb.10: 24 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” God desires that we serve one another in love by giving of ourselves to help each other grow in Christ as fellow-believers. This love is based on our relationship with Christ and is not dependent on feelings we may or may not have for a fellow-believer. Brother-sister relationships in Christ involve two foundational elements, commitment to fulfill the responsibility of a fellow-believer in Christ and care and concern a believer is to have toward other believers. It can involve affection as we work together in Christ, but affection is not a necessary element. We are commanded in the Scriptures to show love to all believers, but we are not commanded to make all believers our friends.
Each of the above mention relationships has two common characteristics, a commitment to the responsibilities of that particular kind of relationship and a genuine care and concern for the other person in a particular kind of relationship. But the marriages have a third characteristic - affection and attraction. Of these three relationships, the Scriptures only speak of romantic attraction and desire being expressed in marriage. Song of Songs gives a beautiful picture of the feelings and expression of romantic desire and attraction. Song of Songs 4:10-11 says "How delightful is your love my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice." Only in marriage may a man and woman enjoy expressing their romantic and sexual desires toward each other.
God made you in his image, to enjoy a relationship with him, to be fulfilled and to have a great purpose in life. He rescued you; have you responded and accepted his love, his forgiveness, his sacrifice for you? Have you discovered your true identity as a human person, and as a member of God’s family?
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