Do You Know God Created Us for Healthy Relationships?

Based on your past experiences and interactions with others, you might question the feasibility of cultivating and sustaining healthy relationships. The world is full of fractured situations and disarray. You may wonder if it is possible to have long-lasting, fulfilling relationships built on trust and bring joy to both individuals involved.

According to the Bible, God intended for Adam and Eve to have a beautiful and honorable relationship that would honor Him. From the very beginning of creation, God designed us to be in relationships. These relationships—whether with God, family, friends, or our community—are at the core of what it means to be human.

But what does it truly mean to have healthy relationships, and how can we nurture them according to God’s plan?

We Reflect God’s Nature

God Himself exists in a perfect relationship within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This divine fellowship is a model for the loving, supportive, and unified relationships God created us to have.

In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." This speaks to the relational aspect of our nature; just as God is relational, so are we.

We Connect and Support

The first human relationship in the Bible is between Adam and Eve. God created Eve because "it is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). This statement emphasizes the importance of companionship and connection. Adam and Eve were to support, love, and help each other, demonstrating that healthy relationships are about mutual respect and care, making each individual feel valued and respected.

We focus on Love

Jesus summarized the commandments by focusing on love: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 22:37-39).

Love is the foundation of every healthy relationship. "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). When love is at the center, relationships flourish.

We Forgiveness and Grow

In any relationship, conflict is inevitable. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is not just about letting go of anger or resentment but restoring relationships to wholeness. It's a path to healing, growth, and deeper understanding between people.

We Build Bridges

Healthy relationships thrive on open, honest communication. The Bible encourages us to speak the truth in love so we may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:15). Listening is just as important as speaking, as it shows respect and a willingness to understand the other person’s perspective. Good communication builds bridges between people, fostering trust and intimacy.

We Honor Each Other

While we are to love and connect with others, boundaries are essential in maintaining healthy relationships. Boundaries are like fences that protect and honor each other's well-being. They help us understand where we end and others begin, and what is acceptable and unacceptable in our interactions.

Proverbs 4:23 advises, 'Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.' Establishing and respecting boundaries ensures that relationships remain healthy and balanced.

We form Community

God created us to be part of a community. As the body of Christ, the church is where believers come together to support, encourage, and grow with one another. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In this community, we find strength in times of weakness, accountability in times of temptation, and a sense of belonging in times of loneliness. We were never to journey through life alone.

We Reflect Christ

Ultimately, our relationships should reflect Christ. We are to be His ambassadors, showing His love, grace, and mercy in our interactions with others. This means being patient and kind, forgiving and understanding, and always seeking the best for the other person.

Through our actions, we endeavor to cultivate and nurture meaningful connections with others, serving as living testaments to God's love's profound and life-changing effects.

Conclusion

God designed us to live in healthy, loving relationships. Whether with Him, our family, friends, or our community, these relationships are meant to bring joy, support, and growth into our lives. By following the principles laid out in Scripture—love, forgiveness, communication, boundaries, and community—we can cultivate relationships that honor God and enrich our lives, filling us with hope and inspiration.