RELATIONSHIPS

Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles – Romans 16: 3-4

RELATIONSHIP is the Fabric of Living! Your achievement in life is determined to a great extent by your attitude towards Relationships – with God and other human beings. Christianity is a restoration of Man’s eternal relationship with God, which inevitably affects his relationship with others: “…And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2Cor 6:18). Relationships are the energies and synergies of personalities which feed or flow into our lives. The Bible reveals a great deal of truth about relationships, associations, partnerships, and friendships.

Relationships can be positive or negative; constructive or corruptive, edifying or destructive: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1Cor.15:33). Relationships could spell lifting or doom! Walking with the wise multiplies wisdom; walking with fools leads to destruction: “He who walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Pro.13:20). Progress in life is a collection of connections; a network of human and divine relationships. Your company determines your conquest (Psa.1:1-4). A wise man said: People are lonely because they build Walls instead of Bridges. Here are five biblical truths that can revolutionise your attitudes and help you maximise relationships:

• No person is an island to himself or herself in the pursuit of destiny: Each of us is like an angel with only one wing. We can only fly embracing each other.
• Your dreams and visions, and their achievement are connected to other people. Therefore, achievers are “Reachers” and they are reachable: Jesus the Son of God left His glory and grandeur in heaven to reach to fallen humanity in order to fulfil His mission of redemption. In His earth-walk, He reached out to diverse kinds of people and was reachable (Acts 10:38; Luke 8:1-3; 15:1-4).
• Every relationship will affect you positively or negatively. You will encounter four kinds of people in life: those who add to you; those who subtract from you; those who multiply you; and those who divide you. Those who do not increase you inevitable will decrease or diminish you. Jehoshaphat was rebuked for associating with wicked Ahab (2Chr. 19:1-2). Destructive Delilah was the ruin of great Samson (Judges 16:4-21).
• Every relationship will feed ‘strength’ or ‘weaknesses’ in you. You must discern the Quality and define the Purpose of every relationship. You will become like your friends. Discern (not discriminate) and prioritize your relationships (2 The. 3:14; Heb. 6:12). Jesus taught His disciples to disconnect from any place or persons that did not value their message (Mt. 10:14). Give priority to people who minister to you and those you minister to.
• You are the sum-total of relational encounters and experiences (with God and men). Your life needs Input from a network of people of diverse callings and backgrounds. Teachers need students, pastors need flocks, kings have subjects, leaders need followers, salesmen need customers, and spouses need one another to succeed in their various callings. God’s gifts in other people will complement your limitations in knowledge, skills, and gifts.

Begin to appreciate, assimilate, and apply Bible-based truths to improve your attitude to relationships: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” – Peace with all men; holiness before the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). God gives specific instructions about your relationship with the brethren and unbelievers (1The 4:9-12). You must be alert to the people God has sent or will send into your life – to help you fulfill your purpose. You must be responsive to obey Him as He leads you to network with others to help fulfill your dreams and theirs. Consider the cases of the Zarephath widow and Elijah (1Kgs 17:9-15); the Shunnamite and Elisha (2 Ks 4:8-17); and Barnabas and Paul (Acts 9:26-28). Paul identified by name, and celebrated his Destiny-helpers (Rom 16:1-24). Do you? Are you nurturing godly relationships or nullifying them?