Daily Devo

Relationships Matter to God

By: Kim Garrett

Friday, January 17, 2025

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

I must confess, I'm not always relational. Don't get me wrong: I love to be around people, especially God's people. I get excited when we gather in groups, gather at tables, share cups of coffee, and experience Christian fellowship. When we assemble in the sanctuary to worship the Creator and Sustainer of our souls, I'm reminded of my divine purpose, to have a loving, lasting, relationship with God. In His presence I find peace and purpose.

But when it comes to those outside the faith, when I'm in frequent contact with people who don't share my love and passion for Jesus, I'm extremely cautious. But I know Jesus modeled how to relate to believers and non-believers alike, so I try to follow His example. I may meet with an unbeliever for a cup of coffee, but the difference in fellowship is like night and day. Our conversation usually seems one-sided, self-centered, and world directed. What's missing? It's the bond we share as Christ followers: our relationship with Jesus.

It's like almost finishing a 1000-piece puzzle, then realizing I'm missing a critical piece. Without Jesus, conversations can feel empty and purposeless. Why? Because relationships are designed by God. They were (and still are) His idea. God sent Jesus to suffer and die on a cross to repair mankind's broken relationship with God. Jesus' death removed the one thing that separates you and me from Holy God, our sin. If we're not in a relationship with God, our unrepented sin will keep us from approaching His throne of mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Before salvation, our sin robbed us of a close relationship with Christ.

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NLT)

Our relationships matter to God because you and I were created to be in an intimate relationship with Him. Thanks to Jesus work on the cross, we can have a lasting, loving relationship with our Creator, and anything or anyone that hinders this divine gift isn't worth our time. Love people, serve people, and point people to Christ, but guard your hearts. Let nothing come between the loving relationship you have with your Heavenly Father!

Read: Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16