John 14:23 (NKJV)
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”
John 14:23 (NKJV)
Ask any random person what the key ingredient in a relationship is, and the first answer you will get is ‘love’.
Conversely, a relationship can be defined as a connection, association, or alliance between two or more people based on blood, emotions, marriage, or other bonding ties. You and I have a relationship with our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through the bonding ties of Love and Grace of The Father, the Atoning Work of the Blood of Jesus, and the Seal of the Holy Spirit.
So, what makes a relationship work? In keeping with that natural automatic answer, here’s what Jesus said about being in a love relationship with Him – John 14:15. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” When we love someone and want to preserve our relationship with them, we try to do whatever they ask. But is love the only requirement for a healthy relationship? Certainly not! Here are a few other necessary requirements as highlighted in God’s Word:
- The way we think about the person we’re in a relationship with is paramount. Philippians 4:7-8 encourages us to think on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.
- We are also required to have faith in our relationship. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God” (NIV). This faith is not empty; because faith, like love, is an action word – (James 2:20).
- And In a relationship, we are required to be transparent enough to share our joys, as well as our pains. This is our encouragement in 1 Peter 5:7.
Other necessities include: fellowship, trust, contentment, respect, loyalty, dependability, honesty, and commitment. All of these are wrapped up in God’s definition of love, found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
As we reflect on these requirements to determine whether we have what it takes, ask God to help us be better in our relationship with Him and others.
Pray
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You love me. I’m humbled knowing that the One Who knows all my faults and failings, still desires to have a relationship with me. Thank You Lord! I repent of all wrongdoings on my part and thank You for understanding and loving me nevertheless.
Today, I ask that You wash, cleanse and heal me. And I promise to make every effort to have a better relationship with You, in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Read: John 15: 4-6; John 4:23-24; James 2:20; 1 Peter 5:7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 103:13-22; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22; 2 Chronicles 29; 2 Chronicles 30; 2 Chronicles 31:1
