What Jesus Teaches Us About Relationships
Author: Shannon McBrayer
May 14, 2023
Relationships can be the most beautiful part of life, but they can also cause us the most pain. That is what makes them so complicated. Jesus had a lot to say about them and how to keep them healthy.
If we are to follow the example of Jesus, we must start with love. Jesus teaches us in the passage of Matthew 22:34-40 very clearly about how we are to love, period. Specifically verses 37-39 it says, Jesus replied; “Love the Lord God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and will all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
This is a commandment, to love God and others. This is also a big theme here at the Creek. Healthy relationships are so important that God didn’t just suggest we treat others well, He commanded it! Jesus is the ultimate role model for how to love people. He did everything he could to help his friends as well as followers to know God.
When we are willing to do whatever it takes, to be selfless for our family and friends and help them to stay in step with Jesus, we are following His example. He also does not want us to do life alone. In Luke 10:1-2 he sent the disciples out in pairs to share his message of good news. He did not send them alone, they were sent with a friend, a companion.
I often find when God is asking me to take a next step or calling me to something new, I always have a Christian friend to encourage me and walk with me. We need to remember that Jesus does not intend for us to go through things by ourselves. We need a trusted friend or mentor to help us along the way. Be open to who God sends to you.
Jesus also redefined family. If you are feeling like the family you were born into is not there for you for whatever reason, Mark 3:31-35 reminds us that family includes other Christians too! We are never alone.
This next example that Jesus gave us is one that I think a lot of us struggle with in today’s world. We are in a very self-focused society and it’s easy to forget sometimes that we should be putting the needs of others before our wants. There are times that we just want to be left alone and there is nothing wrong with that. However, we cannot lose sight of those in front of us.
When Jesus learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded while imprisoned, Mark 14:13 says that he withdrew from the crowd in a boat to be alone. When the crowds heard it, they followed him through the towns and waited. When he came back on shore, he saw a great crowd waiting for him. He just wanted to be alone to grieve his friend, but it says he had compassion for them and healed their sick. Even his disciples suggested that he send them away to go find food and he said no, you give them something to eat. This is where he took 5 loaves and 2 fish and miraculously fed the thousands there. I am most certain that Jesus wanted to be alone and have the time to grieve his friend, but He did not do what he felt like doing, He did what was needed.
My favorite example of relationships is that Jesus loved to share meals with people. I love gathering with friends and family over a meal! So, when Jesus did it, the amazing thing to know that It was part of the culture that if you shared a meal with someone, it meant they were no longer strangers, but now should be considered a close friend. He always extended friendship and kindness to people both near and far from God. He loves everyone, everywhere, all the time. This is how He intends us to be as well.
Lastly, Jesus wants us to care for individuals over tasks. It is so easy to be so busy being busy that we miss someone hurting right in front of us. Remember to take a step back and take stock in your tasks and ask God to help show you which ones that are truly needed. Ask God every day to show you someone who is hurting or just in need of an encouraging word. Just giving someone your time is a great show of love and compassion.
If you want to experience thriving relationships like Jesus taught about, don’t try to go at it alone. Get connected and take advantage of the many groups we have here at the Creek. Let’s do life together as intended!
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