Relational Ministry Intro
One of the most important things God has given us is people. Not only people but the relationships that come with them. All people are of equal importance but when it comes to our spiritual growth it is our sisters and brothers in Christ that shape us the most. These are the specific people that God tells us to lean on. Whether it’s for guidance or a helping hand we were created for deep and intimate relationships. This can be ANYONE. Neighbors, siblings, friends, teammates, parents, youth leaders, or church small groups. People were created to support and help one another along the way.
Unfortunately, the idea is thrown at us that we must compete with one another. Girls wanting to be prettier. Guys wanting to be more athletic. People trying to upstage other people. We see this all the time. This growing society of “comparison” and self-destruction is not at all what God intended it to be. Not only can these things damage our perception of people but also our perception of what true godly relationships should look like. If you want a glimpse of what God’s love really looks like, look at Godly relationships.
As children of Christ, we are called to lift one another up just as Jesus did. John 15:12-13 says
My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
This is the kind of person and friend God calls us to be. This is exactly the kind of relationship God created us for. Not to hurt or slander one another. Not to be kind to someones face then speak hurtfully behind their back. God tells us to be truthful to one another and speak life and show love to those around us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says
Two are better than one, 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.
True godly relationships will strengthen, shape, and provide continual growth. A godly friend will always be ready to lift you up when your down and strengthen you when you’re weak. This is the kind of relationship we should be seeking to have.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 says,
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s good news but our own lives, too.
It’s not enough to just love from a distance. God created us specifically for these relationships with one another. You weren’t meant to struggle alone or fend for yourself in this life. The beauty of Godly relationships is that they allow you to be vulnerable with one another. They allow you to fully be yourself and share your thoughts, cares, worries, and dreams with someone else. Someone who will be right behind you ready to support you one-hundred percent!
Don’t go through this life only using small talk and carrying out mediocre relationships. That is like attending a small group and not opening up to your peers or your leaders. It’s pointless! These groups were created exactly for that. Relationships in Christ were made for souls to intertwine and build on each other. To grow deeply in a way that’s different from any other type of relationship. Don’t settle for only acquaintances and people you call your “friends” when they don’t obtain these qualities. Strive to create godly relationships and watch as God’s love becomes present in all new aspects of your life.