The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps. 145:18)
Many of us COMPARTMENTALIZE our relationships, labeling people as family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other types of acquaintances. We further categorize them by periods of our lives and places where we have lived. However, one great relationship remains constant: our relationship with God. Our relationship with Him has the power to transform our relationships with people. As we draw close to Him through prayer, we can ask Him to help us get along with other people, and share His love in the process.
We can ask God to help us stop finding faults in others. Instead of focusing on the actions, habits, and words of others, we can ask God to help us overcome our own faults so we can become more like Jesus Christ.
We can ask God to help us genuinely forgive those who have done us wrong. Christ has shown us how to overcome the evil done to us, and our part is simply to mirror His example.
We can ask God to give us words and actions that tell and illustrate the message of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We are never alone in our witnessing efforts; the Holy Spirit always stands ready to make the gospel come alive for those around us.
Build your relationship with God every day, and always trust Him to help you in your relationships with others.
Use your relationships as a context for sharing Jesus Christ.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
