The Joys of a Relationship
I believe that every human being has a deep desire to know another person and to be known by them. We were never created to be alone but to experience the giving and receiving of love in relationships with others. That is why there is something almost unexplainable about the bond of a deep friendship or a relationship that is fueled by genuine love and affection. We are wired for connection--even children can see it, regardless of their nationalities. In fact, if we can think back to the greatest moment in our life thus far, I can promise you that we were not alone.
My Discovery
So I was overcome with sheer enthusiasm when I discovered something in two Bible verses: John 3:16 and John 17:3. The New Living Translation, emphasis added, says:
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life...And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth."
When I pieced the two of of them together, I discovered that the gift of eternal life is the gift of a relationship. Our Creator provided a way to meet what could arguably be, our deepest need as human beings, through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
What Do We Do?
In light of this, the most important question becomes: How can I have this gift of eternal life? It is all about a relationship.
If two friends have a dispute and they are ready to come together again, no one has to tell them what to say, so that they repeat it to each other. This would not be genuine. But if they clearly see where they have gone wrong and want the relationship to be mended, the words will flow from the heart.
Our holy and loving Creator hates sin, but by nature, all human beings are born and developed in sin. Sin’s ultimate punishment is death and separation from God, so a relationship between God and mankind was impossible. But Jesus Christ, who never sinned, became the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with the Father. To have this gift of eternal life, we need to make an intentional decision to agree with God that we have sinned, decide that we no longer want to have anything to do with sin and put our faith in Jesus Christ. Following this, our life will be marked by the holiness and joy of a restored relationship with God.
Since we are imperfect, we have all messed up a relationship with someone in some way. Some relationships are mended, but some are never the same. When we get the opportunity to reconcile, the joy is indescribable. So I personally make this appeal: be reconciled to God. This could be the ultimate relationship we were created for.
Comment below if you agree that we were created for relationship or share this message with someone. You can also reach me at kasm@victoriousbydesign.com.
By Kerry-Ann McPherson
Project Manager & Contributor
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