The Matter of Relationships

“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right.
Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.” 
·         Matthew 5:23-24 The Message

Reading these two verses renders one truth, in all that we do as a Christ follower we’re required to build good relationships.  The cost—love, humility—will build relationships that reflect our obedience and love to our Lord Jesus Christ … reflecting our relationship with God.       

Jesus thought relationships were important in the lives of His followers – 2,000 years has not changed his everlasting Word of truth.  More than a suggestion or preferred lifestyle, Jesus said:

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."  (John 13:34-35 NLT)

Christ Jesus commanded us to love fellow believers; be obedient, build the relationships.

Recognize what Jesus said:  1) you cannot worship Him if you don’t have a good relationship with those in the body of Christ (Matt 5:23-24). You contradict your testimony.  2) You are not obedient to him if you don’t love others in the body of Christ (John 13:34).  If you are not in a worshipful relationship with God, if you are not in obedient to Christ by building good relationships with fellow believers in the body of Christ—3) you “will prove to the world” they don’t need Christ, your witness nullifies your evangelism (John 13:35).

Owen <><