The Ministry of Relationship

How we view our relationships with our family, friends, and colleagues directly correlates with how we ultimately view our relationship with our Heavenly Father. This view can impact us in both negative and positive ways.

Jesus Christ, when He was living on this Earth, was guided by His Heavenly Father and was full of love, peace, wisdom, truth, service, and sacrifice. These traits were evident beginning with His birth and ending with His death. Mary and Joseph were also guided by God. For this reason, they understood the high calling that God placed on their lives, which was to raise the King of the World.

Many of us grew up in families that have or had parents guided by Our Heavenly Father through His Spirit, but unfortunately, others of us have not. Harsh rules, harsh criticisms, fear, guilt, abandonment, shame, anger, and abuse largely ruled the home. All of us know of at least one who grew up under these circumstances.

However, looking to man first will always distort one’s perception of God because man is imperfect, no matter how well-meaning man can be. When we understand this, we realize that God is the only one who can adequately and ultimately minister to our souls. He has the ability to both mother us and father us. After all, He came down in the flesh and dwelt among us. He did it because He loves us. However, it is paramount to let go and let Him have His way so He can do this mighty work. He ultimately wants a relationship with us. This relationship with Him requires us to commune with Him. This is done by spending time with Him through His Word and Prayer. It is imperative for it to be the first thing that we do because it guides the day, and it also influences the decisions we make. Everything else falls into place. Furthermore, the fruits of the Spirit bloom in us and can have the ability to change others, too. We become a positive influence for others because He first influenced us. It causes a real ripple effect. It is a ripple effect of real purpose, principles, and passion. This ripple effect can influence generations for Him for years to come.

God created us to be in relationship. Love is His true heartbeat and the tool that guides us into a real relationship with Him and with each other. Without God, there is no love, but without love, there is no relationship. Without the relationship, there is no connection. Finally, where there is no connection, there is no ministry.

1 John 4:19 ( NKJV) "We love because He first loved us."