The Three Dimensions of Relationship
We were created with a deep-seeded longing to belong. We desire to be in relationship with one another, living in community. We don’t function well when we’re left to ourselves. But sadly, broken relationships are rampant in our culture today. We’re a society full of broken marriages, fractured families, and estranged friends. Even with more access to relationship through technology than ever before, loneliness is at epidemic proportions. We’re a culture full of disconnected people longing for connections.
It’s not good for us to be alone, and God says so. We were created by him to be in relationship with him, so whether or not we know it, we will always crave that relationship. It’s in our DNA. Jesus modeled for us how to live a balanced life in community with others. He maintained three primary kinds of relationships: a relationship with his Heavenly Father, with his friends, and with the world around him. Like Jesus, we operate best when we have a solid relationship with our Heavenly Father, a small group of friends we can be real with, and a community we’re plugged into.
We all long to belong. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both placed a priority on life-giving relationships. Let’s do the same.
REFLECT
We’re at our best when we have a thriving relationship with our Heavenly Father, a small group of friends to do life with, and a community we’re plugged into.
RESPOND
Take relational inventory. Do you have the three dimensions of relationship that Jesus modeled for us? (1. A healthy relationship with God (2. A small group of close friends (3. A community to actively engage in.
