Our Call to Relationsip

March 4, 2007

Our Call to Relationship—Growing with Others

“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonians 1:2-3)


God calls us to relationships that matter. We are part of a bigger picture than gathering for a few laughs throughout the week and then returning to our individual ambitions. We are called to nurture one another in Christ. It is our sacred duty as members of the Body of Christ.

Throughout the Epistles the Apostle Paul refers to those who work alongside him in the faith. If you read through his letters carefully you will see the high priority that Paul puts on relationships. Even though Paul received a direct revelation from Christ and was appointed an apostle, he knew the value of relationship in spreading the Gospel. Paul knew the message of the Gospel was wrapped up in relationships. We are not called to be a Christian of “one.” Our witness depends on relationship. Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs to minister and the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost when the disciples “were all gathered in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

There is strength in pairs. There is strength in friendship and family. Family ties are not easily broken—we have proof of that in the number of divorces that sadly occur in our families and churches. Relationships matter to God.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

The Apostle Paul at the end of his letter to the Colossians emphasizes his need of his brothers and sisters in the faith by these words: “Remember my chains.” (Col. 4:18) The persecution(s) Paul faced in his ministry were lighter to bear because those he loved in the faith surrounded him with their love and prayers even when they were separated from the apostle. We need each other.

Consider how God may be calling you to new friendships and restored family relationships as part of your commitment to being a disciple of Christ. Within this church family would you consider meeting with someone on a regular basis to build a relationship, encouraging them in their faith and thereby carrying out the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ?