Relationships

God created people to be in relationship with himself and with one another in friendship, marriage, family, society and the church.

Human beings are created to be in relationship

With God

Revelation 21:3 See also Isaiah 43:6–7; Hosea 11:1; 2 Corinthians 6:18

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

With one another

Genesis 2:18 See also Psalm 127:4; Proverbs 17:6, Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 27:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9–12

The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”

Relationship with God

Is entered by faith

John 1:12–13 See also Matthew 12:50 parallels Mark 3:35, Luke 8:21; John 17:3; Galatians 3:26

But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God — children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

Is expressed through covenant

Exodus 6:7 This is often known as the covenant formula. See also Genesis 17:7; 2 Samuel 7:14–15 parallel 1 Chronicles 17:13–14; Luke 22:20 parallels Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Leviticus 26:12; Hebrews 10:15–18; Jeremiah 31:33–34

I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

Relationships between believers

Believers are to be in relationship with one another in the church

Galatians 3:28 See also Ephesians 2:14–16, Ephesians 2:19

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Believers are to maintain good relationships

Ephesians 4:3 See also Romans 12:18, Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14

and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Believers are to restore broken relationships

Matthew 18:15 See also Matthew 5:23–24; Ephesians 4:26

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.