The Most Important Relationship Of All

Relationships are very broad and multi-faceted. They can be complicated, easy, loving, difficult, or tumultuous. The point is that in an average lifetime there are a variety of bonds, connections and love, and at times “hate” emotions that we will experience. Relationships are a part of us.

Our parents for example. Our relationship with mom and dad is an extension of who we are. Our DNA and our characteristics inherently come from our maternal and paternal blood line. And most of us will be protected, cared for, and loved by them for the course of their lifetime. Yes, we grow up, but we are forever bound by their love and bloodline.

There are countless relationships we will have, in fact it’s hard to compartmentalize because it is so varied. Just a few of our connections are “siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, classmates, colleagues, church friends, pets, etc.”  And many incidentals, like a person coming into your life for a moment in time, for reasons only God knows. Still our relationships are a crucial part and component of who we are in this lifetime.

In the Bible there are so many stories about relationships. Just a few that pop out to me at this writing are the following.

Ruth and Naomi: They shared a relationship of respect, love, loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness. Ruth a young widow, stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi, who lost her husband and sons. Ruth was led in her heart to live with Naomi and wasn’t going to take no for an answer  (Ruth 1:16). And so she stayed. Ruth, who later married Boaz had a son named Obed, grandfather of King David, and ancestor of Jesus Christ. Ruth’s story shows us how God can use our loyalty and kindness to bless us and others, and how he can redeem our losses and bring us into the very bosom of His family.

Hosea and Gomer: This story conveyed unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace. Hosea was a prophet who was commanded by God to marry Gomer (Hosea 1:2) a prostitute. Hosea loved Gomer, and had three children with her, but Gomer was unfaithful and ran away with other lovers. God however, instructed Hosea to go after her and bring her home. Hosea of course, obeyed and restored their relationship. This story in particular is one in which God is showing us that He loves us no matter what. He is going to forgive us, even when we sin against Him. Through Christ, He consistently invites us to come back to Him, and enjoy His forgiveness and unmerited Grace.

Paul and Timothy: This is a story of mentorship, friendship, and discipleship. Paul an apostle traveled the Roman Empire to preach the gospel and build churches of Christ. Timothy was a young man who joined Paul on his missionary journeys and became his close companion and co-worker. Paul treated Timothy as his son in the faith and taught him everything he knew about following Jesus (1 Timothy 1:2).

David and Saul’s son, Jonathan: They formed a covenant of loyalty and love and helped each other in times of trouble. Jonathan was the heir to the throne, but he recognized that God had chosen David to be the next king of Israel. He supported David and protected him from his father Saul, who was jealous of David and tried to kill him. Jonathan and David had a deep bond that lasted until Jonathan’s death in battle. David mourned for him and honored his memory(1 Samuel 18:1-4, 1 Samuel 18:3, 2 Samuel 1:11-12).

In essence our lives intertwine with many individuals and circumstances during the time we have on earth in the flesh. But no matter our relationships, I can’t state more emphatically that the most important of all relationships we will ever have formed, is the one we have with our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our ties with Him, and through Him is the nucleus of our soul and who we are and what we do.

• He is the epitome of love and what a relationship should ultimately be comprised of.
• He is the One front and center, the One who is above all else.
• He is the One who shines and the One who never protests.
• He is the One who extends His arms every second of the day.
• He is the One who will never stray.
• He is the One who will always stay.

Christ is our breath. Our rationality and the reason for coming into existence (1 Corinthians 8:6). His sacrifice, His atoning Grace, and His astonishing love for all of His children that solidifies my statement.

We are covered by His blood, and He is our Redeemer and Savior. That in and of itself is the best of the best, in terms of relationship and life overall!  Nothing and no one can supersede that reality (Revelation 12:11).

Can I get an “Amen!”

“Father, thank You for my breath, all those in my life past and present and to come, thank You for my life and for Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”