The other day a guy said to me, “I know you, but you don’t know me.” Has this ever happened to you? Often because of the work I do, my reputation precedes me, so I get this often. Especially today, because of modern technology, with google search, facebook, and linkedin, you can find out a lot about someone. In truth, all of this knowledge only means you know facts (or sometimes falsehoods), but you don’t actually have a real relationship with them.
That got me thinking, what makes a true relationship? I thought about some of the best relationships I’ve been blessed with over the years and the things that make them so special. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” Let’s look at some of the passages of the Bible that make up a genuine relationship which are as described, rare treasures.
In a true relationship, you are strengthened…
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In a true relationship, you are encouraged…
-Proverbs 27:9, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
-Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
In a true relationship, you are challenged and kept accountable…
-Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
-Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
In a true relationship, you are prayed for…
-2 Timothy 1:2-4, “To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from god the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”
In a true relationship, you are unconditionally and sacrificially loved…
-Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
-Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.”
-John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”
This week, in my sunday school class we talked about the value of true relationships. We then read the example of David and Jonathan. Here is a tidbit of their story...1 Samuel 18:1-3, “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met with Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.” Many of you have been blessed with a best friend as described above; one who pushes you to be your best, has your back, is there with you through the good and the bad, and loves you unconditionally. We can have great relationships but none will be perfect and we as well won’t always be the friend we should be. Jesus is the perfect friend who sticks closer than a brother. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” As you study these scriptures you will learn to know; He will never let you down, He always understands and knows what’s best, and He loves you so much that He laid down His life for you! If you don’t KNOW Him today, get to know Him.
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