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How To Develop Lasting Relationship: A Biblical Approach

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A World of Superficial Relationships

In our world today, many relationships are superficial. The lack of depth in our relationships is contagious. We call selfishness, love. We avoid real forgiveness. Even in the church, we are practicing the world’s methods of how to relate to people. All the while, we tend not to be as aware of the principles and methods God has given us in His Word.

In the next several blog posts, we will be seeking to develop a biblical understanding of lasting relationships.

Specifically, we will attempt to establish guidelines for building Biblically-based relationships. We will endeavor to answer the following:

  1. What are the characteristics of Jesus’ relationships?
  2. What are the things we can do to build a relationship?
  3. What are the things we can do to destroy a relationship?
  4. What are the essential qualities of biblical relationships?

Learning Objectives – After this study, you should understand:

  1. Learn what is at the heart of lasting relationships.
  2. Discover the qualities of lasting relationships.
  3. Learn to establish a realistic plan for building lasting relationships.

Do You Memorize Verses?

Here is a great passage to ponder, personalize, pray, and to practice as we consider improving our relationships with others.

Matthew 22:37-39

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

So, how would your relationships with others compare to that passage of Scripture?

Your Beliefs Influence Your Behaviors

Beliefs?

As we will see throughout these studies, everyone deals with situations in their life in a context that includes a system of beliefs.

  • What beliefs that you have hindered your relationships?
  • What beliefs that you have helped your relationships?
  • What are the core biblical beliefs to which you can “consciously anchor” your relationships?

Biblical Basis of All Relationships

The basis of all relationships is the connection that we have with God. Our goal should be threefold: (1) Glorifying God (2) Serving Others and (3) Growing to be like Christ.

Learning from the Master: How Jesus Related to People

He had compassion for hurting people.

” When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things” – Mark 6:34

He pointed people to their greatest need.

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God… 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ – John 3:5,7

He taught people that their only hope, joy, rest, and peace is found in their relationship with Him.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Matt. 11:28

He lovingly encouraged those who lacked faith.

“And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”  Matt. 8:26

 He graciously challenged people’s thinking.

“27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Matt. 5:27-28

 He emphasized the right attitudes and right actions.

“47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built”  Luke 6:47-48.

Question to Consider

  • How does your approach to your relationships compare to how Christ related to others?
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