Relationships are a large part of our lives. They give color and flavor to life. They also cause intense hurt. Every day we interact with people. Sunday, we get together with believers and look like we have this down – it’s easy to relate to people who agree with us for a couple of hours, but it’s time to check ourselves on the other 6 days of the week – to be encouraged or be challenged.
Do we need relationships? Do they bring us down? Do people hurt our spirituality?
These are questions that I have heard recently. With the recent global pandemic, the ability to consume online content (church live-streams) in our home, and strained relationships, some people are asking, “Do I Need Church?” and “Do I Need People?”
In 2017, Barna Research reported that one-tenth of the population considered themselves “De-Churched.” This means they retain their Christian beliefs, but they do not desire to gather with other Christians. Reasons for this phenomenon range from convenience and access to a good church to feelings of hurt and distrust towards other believers. Personal conflicts within the church are not new. You hear people say they don’t attend church because of “all the hypocrites.” The Dali Lama famously said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
So, what do we do?
First of all, what is our motivation?
Are we consumers or disciples? Consumers look to see what they will gain from church and relationships. This self-centered approach leaves people feeling empty, dejected, and isolated. Those who desire to be a disciple seek opportunities to grow and serve. This focus empowers the believer and points them toward maturity and obedience.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28: 18-19)
This passage conjures images of going to faraway places to share the Gospel. This passage is more accurately translated, AS YOU ARE GOING….Make Disciples. We should be living our life on mission every day. Don’t miss the opportunity to share the Gospel in your local community and among your family, friends, and co-workers.
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself – Matthew 22:39
We are meant to work together as the body of Christ. Everyone is important and plays a unique part in God’s Kingdom. Those who isolate not only miss the opportunities to serve and fellowship with others, they also deny themselves needed friendships and growth opportunities. Do not neglect your calling and purpose.
One Body but Many Parts
14 So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts. 15 Suppose the foot says, “I am not a hand. So I don’t belong to the body.” By saying this, it cannot stop being part of the body. 16 And suppose the ear says, “I am not an eye. So I don’t belong to the body.” By saying this, it cannot stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? 18 God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19 If all the parts were the same, how could there be a body? 20 As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body. – 1 Corinthians 12
“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13
We are meant to be together.
Relationships form friendships and a natural support system. Paul always had a plus-one with him. (Timothy, Titus, Silas, etc.) He also spoke fondly to his supporters in his letters. These relationships not only sustained him, but they were also his ministry legacy.
7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.- 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
Three Strands
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken. – Ephesians 4: 9-12
Our relationships are an indispensable part of our growth. Only through the encouragement and instruction of fellow believers can we reach our potential and grow spiritually.
Iron Sharpens Iron
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17:
Relationships can be difficult, but they are ultimately not only worth effort, they are crucial for evangelism, discipleship, and support. Inevitably, conflicts arise, but those experiences are opportunities for believers to grow in forgiveness, patience, and maturity. These issues also allow believers to model Christ-like behavior to others and inspire them to do likewise. God is love and love should be at the root of all our relationships. If God can love and forgive us, we should show that same love and forgiveness to others.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
