From creation acts, Yahweh sets us a model of inclusiveness—Genesis 1:26, Genesis 11:7 and the offspring of Noah in Genesis 11:4 showed that this was the pattern of life, “us”. In the model of prayer left us in Luke 11:3,4 we see the same pattern of togetherness and inclusiveness that is underscored by relationship.
 
The English dictionary defines relationship as—the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected: the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave towards each other within the home or in a community.
 
Relationship matters because it is underscored by the pattern set by Yahweh and because it is affirmed severally by disciples as a requirement in the body of believers for mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. Consider the following scriptures:

2 Corinthians 13:11(TPT) as in the community of believers—Finally, beloved friends, be cheerful! Repair whatever is broken among you, as your hearts are being knit together in perfect unity. Live continually in peace, and God, the source of love and peace, will mingle with you
 
Ephesians 5:25-6:8 (TPT) as in the home, place of employment and in the community of believers—And to the husbands, you are to demonstrate love for your wives with the same tender devotion that Christ demonstrated to us, his bride. For he died for us, sacrificing himself to make us holy and pure, cleansing us through the showering of the pure water of the Word of God. All that he does in us is designed to make us a mature church for his pleasure, until we become a source of praise to him—glorious and radiant, beautiful and holy, without fault or flaw. Husbands have the obligation of loving and caring for their wives the same way they love and care for their own bodies, for to love your wife is to love your own self. No one abuses his own body, but pampers it—serving and satisfying its needs. That’s exactly what Christ does for his church! He serves and satisfies us as members of his body. For this reason a man is to leave his father and his mother and lovingly hold to his wife, since the two have become joined as one flesh. Marriage is the beautiful design of the Almighty, a great mystery of Christ and his church. So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband.  Children, if you want to be wise, listen to your parents and do what they tell you, and the Lord will help you. For the commandment, “Honor your father and your mother,” was the first of the Ten Commandments with a promise attached: “You will prosper and live a long, full life if you honor your parents.” Fathers, don’t exasperate your children, but raise them up with loving discipline and counsel that brings the revelation of our Lord. Those who are employed should listen to their employers and obey their instructions with great respect and honor. Serve them with humility in your hearts as though you were working for the Master. Always do what is right and not only when others are watching, so that you may please Christ as his servants by doing his will. Serve your employers wholeheartedly and with love, as though you were serving Christ and not men. Be assured that anything you do that is beautiful and excellent will be repaid by our Lord, whether you are an employee or an employer.
 
Philippians 1:27-2:4 (TPT)—Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ. Then when I come to see you, or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion—celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel. And then you will never be shaken or intimidated by the opposition that rises up against us. Your courage will prove to be a sure sign from God of their coming destruction. For God has graciously given you the privilege not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. For you have been called by him to endure the conflict in the same way I have endured it—for you know I’m not giving up. Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy. So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy. Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.

Relationship is susceptible to attack by:

1. Agents that promote sufficiency from self-dependence or independence from others;
2. Distractive devices inherent with deception that hides the dark side of technology as the gateway to pornography, mind-bending communications, waste of the life of the ignorant user and the tearing apart of family ties; and
3. Unacceptable behaviour—Romans 13: 11-15; Ephesian 5:15-18

 
How have you lived as a believer when it comes to relationship in your home? In the body of believers? Have you breached Yahweh’s desires on this matter of relating properly within the body of Christ? Think on these things. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele