EMBRACING GODLY RELATIONSHIPS

by Taffi Dollar | 1 Feb 2016

Everyone wants happy relationships with others, and
yet we see every day the pain that troubled
relationships cause for all concerned. Whether its a
friendship or a marriage, the bonds that people forge
between each other can result in either good or evil.
God wants the relationships we establish in our lives
to be fulfilling, but when we dont follow His
guidelines in this area, we can run into trouble. The
Bible has plenty to say about developing and
maintaining godly relationships according to His plan
for us.

The first relationship was between Adam and Eve,

but it went downhill as soon as they turned away
from Gods will for them. They had the best of
intentions, but when they began listening to the
serpents voice instead of Gods voice, everything
went wrong. Fast-forwarding to the present, nothing
has changed as far as the need for God to be at the
center of every relationship. If we want to be
surrounded by godly individuals, we must put God
first. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you (Matthew 6:33).
Exemplifying Christian behavior is crucial to being a
good representative of Gods kingdom. When we
believe strongly enough in everything the Word of
God says, this belief will move from our intellectual
mind down into our heart, and show in our speech
and actions. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what
is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another; not lagging in diligence,
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:9-
11, NKJV). Well stand out from the rest of the world,
and attract like-minded individuals whose heartfelt
spiritual values line up with ours.
For instance, the worlds dating scene is obscene
even by its own standards, and if we follow those
standards to find a husband or wife, well certainly
make a mistake. God loves us and wants us to be
happy, and He delights in using other people to
show us that love. Unfortunately, when we get
involved with the wrong kind of person, the devil has
an opportunity to use those closest to us to inflict
pain and suffering. Be ye not unequally yoked together
with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness
with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light
with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with
Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an
infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with
idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people (2
Corinthians 6:14-16). There are way too many
divorces taking place, but following Gods
commandment in this area greatly reduces the
chances of a painful breakup.
God wants to bless us with Christian friends and a
godly marriage, but He ultimately lets us make our
own decisions in choosing our friends and future
spouse. Associating with the wrong group of people
can lead us down the wrong path, and this can be a
major stumbling block for us. Do not be so
deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion,
associations) corrupt and deprave good
manners and morals and character (1 Corinthians
15:33, AMP). Praying for guidance in what
relationships we should embraceand which ones
to avoidreally works. God will honor this prayer!