The apostle Paul is an interesting character. His messages in the scriptures are thought provoking and engaging. I always stop and reflect after spending time in one of his letters. As I was reading some letters this morning, it appeared to me that Paul talks a good deal about relationships. While his biggest emphasis is always on our need for a relationship with Christ, he also discusses how our relationships with other people should parallel that relationship we have with Jesus.
Let me see if i can explain.
- Relationships take sacrifice: God made a perfect sacrifice for us by dying on the cross. In an act of pure mercy and grace, God choose to send His son, a sacrifice, so that our relationship with Him could exist. Parallel to that relationship we have with God, we must understand that our relationships with one another take a great deal of sacrifice. It is our job to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of the other person. (Philippians 2:3)
- Relationships are a free gift (Have the other persons interests in mind): The only way to have a relationship with God is through faith. It is a free gift, not of yourself. God didn’t put stipulations on your relationship, He simply said, “have faith”. Therefore, as God seeks out our best, it is our job to do the same for each other. We must always be cautious to avoid putting stipulations on our relationships with one another. Therefore, in your relationships that you have with one another, avoid seeking your interests and seek what’s best for the other person. (Philippians 2:4)
- Right relationships bring glory to God: Nothing brings more glory to God than when someone comes to know the saving faith of Jesus Christ. In that relationship with God through His son Jesus we must understand how important it is to continue to please Him through all things. Just as we strive to keep our relationship with God pure so that he can be glorified, we must do the same for each other. When we treat each other the same way Christ treated us, we not only have a right relationship, but we bring glory to God as well.
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” -Ephesians 4:32
Think about it.
-jordan
Amen!