It’s All About Relationships

“A rule I have had for years is to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. It is not a creed, a mere empty doctrine, but it is Christ Himself we have.” —D.L. Moody.

Life seems to constantly teach us the lesson that it’s all about relationships. The most important relationship is with Jesus Christ. Regardless of where you are in your relationship with God, you are wondering how to grow closer to God in a meaningful way. You were created to know God and have a close, personal relationship with Him–a life-changing experience that will affect every aspect of your life and bring you joy, hope and purpose like nothing else in your life will ever do. 

A loving and intimate relationship with Jesus is something we all long for. For some Christians, a relationship with Jesus consists of praying to Him and going to church on Sunday. They allow Jesus to be a sacrifice for their sins, but the relationship with Him stops there. For others, Jesus is an example to follow, and they try their best to live as He did. But since Jesus is not present, the relationship can seem distant if we are not connecting to Him. 

The Bible speaks about an intimate and dynamic relationship with Jesus. He is, after all, the light of the world, not a “theological concept;” not someone who once lived on the earth and now is far away, but a person who is alive and present wherever you are. Your relationship with Him can be full of life because He Himself is alive! “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” (Revelation 1:18)

The fact is that you, yourself, decide what relationship you want to have with Jesus. You must first choose to believe that an intimate relationship with Jesus is possible and then work on it on a daily basis.  Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.” (John 14:23 CEV) Just think that God wants to come and make His home with you like a beloved friend, whom you can have fellowship with on a daily basis. He will not be far away from you, but rather lives and speaks in your heart and mind through the Holy Spirit.  

Relationships with people are dynamic. They change with time and can grow deeper. So it also is with your relationship with Jesus. Your relationship with Jesus can also be new and alive every day.  D.L Moody also said, “Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.”  

Discussion Question:

1. What is one goal you have to strengthen your relationship with God? When we seek a relationship with God for friendship, what does it mean to do something “with all your heart?”