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God created us for relationships with Him and each other.   Because we are made in the image of a relational God, that makes us inherently relational.   If you don’t believe me, you can read about it in Genesis.   It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him (Genesis 2:18).   This scripture shows us that men and women are not meant to be alone.  Relationships are a tangible expression of God’s love towards us.  The God of relationship is the God of love (1 John 4:17).   Whether we like it or not, we are made for relationships.    
     The Bible provides guidance on interaction between mankind and our Savior.  The Bible is a relational book.  We rarely talk about Abraham without mentioning Sarah (Genesis 17: 15-17).   We rarely talk about Moses without mentioning Aaron or Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7).   We rarely talk about David without mentioning Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3).  We rarely talk about Samson without mentioning Delilah (Judges 16).   We rarely talk about Jesus without mentioning His disciples (Mark 3:13-14).  We rarely talk about Jesus without mentioning the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).   What does each of these scriptures have in common……..relationship. 
     Since we were made for relationships, why are so many of us struggling in this area?  The people in my circle avoid relationships due to past hurt, betrayal, expectations, bitterness, jealousy, and/or trauma.   Sadly, so many believers are hurting because of broken relationships.   Homes have been shattered by divorce.   Homes have become a battleground, not a place of joy, refuge, protection and safety.  Parents are at odd with their children and vice versa.  Due to more people becoming lovers of self, we are being stripped of genuine and healthy relationships.   
     Because I was rejected by family and friends, I used to say I don’t need anyone but Jesus.  I am quite sure some of you reading this have uttered this same statement at some point in your life.   That particular comment is often made out of pain or disappointment.   I need Jesus and desire human relationships.  Jesus was one hundred percent man and one hundred percent God.   If anyone could have said He didn’t need anyone, my guess would be Jesus.  Nevertheless, Jesus demonstrated the importance of relationship and compassion even on the cross (Luke 23:32-43).       
    Jesus is the source and model of relationships.  Our relationships should be Christ centered.   Just because the relationship is Christ centered; it does not mean there won’t be any disagreements.   A disagreement should not be the death of a relationship.   A relationship with God should be first, a relationship with others should be second (Matthew 22:37-39).  How can we become effective witnesses without a relationship with others?  How do we become fishers of men without relationships?  Ultimately, God put us on this earth to serve Him and each other.