Christianity is a relational experience

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Christianity is a relational experience. A religion is a system of beliefs and external practices. But Christianity is more than a religion. It is a relationship with the living God that opens the way to better relationships with others. Tertullian, an early church leader, quoted the prevailing pagan view of Christians in the second century: “How they love one another and how they are ready to die for each other.”

 The prayer we frequently refer to as the Lord’s Prayer—”our Father in heaven”—is a relational prayer. Note the plural, communal nature of the petitions: “give us today our daily bread,” “forgive us our debts,” “lead us not into temptation,” “deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9–13).

 The “one another” commands of the New Testament are relational guidelines. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus, Paul, James, Peter, and John give specific relational imperatives linked by the phrase “one another.” Based on the umbrella command to “love one another” (John 13:34–35), the New Testament includes thirty-one additional relational imperatives, such as
  • “Be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50)
  • “Wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)
  • “Be devoted to one another in love” (Romans 12:10)
  • “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10)
  • “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16)
  • “Stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:13)
  • “Accept one another … just as Christ accepted you” (Romans 15:7).

Woven through these “one another” commands are ancient, fundamental, nonnegotiable principles of successful relationships. These “secrets” have served as the building blocks of successful friendships, families, and marriages for thousands of years.2 There are many fine books that emphasize one or two of these secrets and help us to apply them wisely, but none of these building blocks will be as effective unless we start with a foundation of solid biblical principles.

Earley, D. (2012). 14 secrets to better relationships: powerful principles from the bible. Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour.

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