“ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”– John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Introduction
Last week, we began a journey into the profound truth that God created us for connection—first with Him and then with one another. We explored the foundational principles of Godly relationships, recognizing that true connection reflects the heart of God and shapes our spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. Relationships, far from being mere social interactions, are divine assignments where love, trust, and integrity serve as markers of Christ’s transforming presence in our lives.
This week, we will continue to delve into how to cultivate and sustain relationships that honour God and demonstrate His love to a watching world. We’ll examine the key pillars that uphold Godly relationships.
4. Godly Relationships Thrive Through Humility and Service
The next point is that Godly relationships thrive through Humility and Service. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul tells us, “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 interests of the others.”
This is a call to live in humility, putting others first, and seeking ways to serve them.
Humility is essential in every relationship. Pride is the enemy of healthy, godly relationships because it seeks to dominate, control, and always be right. Pride insists on winning arguments instead of resolving conflicts. On the other hand, humility invites us to listen, to understand, and to put ourselves in the shoes of others.
In John 13, Jesus modelled ultimate humility when He washed His disciples’ feet. This act of service showed them that true greatness in God’s Kingdom comes from serving others. Likewise, in our relationships, we are called to serve—not to be served. This could mean serving our families with love and care, being there for friends in times of need, or being a source of support for colleagues.
Humility also means admitting when we are wrong and being willing to reconcile. It requires us to let go of our ego and approach others with a heart ready to make peace.
5. Godly Relationships Are Strengthened Through Prayer
Finally, Godly relationships are Strengthened Through Prayer. Prayer is the spiritual foundation of every relationship. It invites God into the centre of our interactions and gives us the strength, wisdom, and patience we need to nurture our relationships.
James 5:16 encourages us to “pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Prayer is a powerful way to cultivate godly relationships because it aligns our hearts with God’s will and purpose. When we pray for others, we release them into God’s hands, trusting Him to work in their lives. Prayer also softens our hearts toward others and gives us the grace to love them, even when it’s hard.
Whether it’s in our family, friendships, or other relationships, we must be intentional about praying for those we are connected to. Pray for their well-being, for God’s guidance in their lives, and for the health of your relationship. As we pray, God strengthens the bond and empowers us to love each other well.
AREAS WHERE GODLY RELATIONSHIPS CAN BE CULTIVATED & MAINTENED
- Friendships
Friendship is one of the most common forms of relationships, yet it is often undervalued in its potential for spiritual growth and support. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A godly friendship is one that transcends convenience or superficial interests. It is a bond rooted in mutual respect, encouragement, and accountability.
Jesus modelled godly friendship with His disciples, particularly with Peter, James, and John, who formed His inner circle. He shared His heart with them, corrected them when necessary, and entrusted them with His mission. A godly friendship is one where both individuals push each other closer to God. There is no room for gossip, jealousy, or competition, but rather a mutual commitment to growth, honesty, and support.
- Family Relationships
God places us in families, not by accident, but with purpose. The family is one of the primary places where we are called to live out the principles of godly relationships. The Bible instructs us in Ephesians 6:1-4 on the importance of honouring our parents and raising our children in the fear of the Lord. In Colossians 3:19, husbands and wives are called to love and respect one another, mirroring the relationship between Christ and His church.
Maintaining godly family relationships requires intentional effort. It’s easy to take our family members for granted, but God calls us to love them deeply, forgive often, and serve each other in humility. The challenges within family life—differences in personality, conflicts, or even misunderstandings—become opportunities to demonstrate patience, forgiveness, and grace.
- Professional Relationships
One of the most overlooked areas where godly relationships can be cultivated is in our professional lives. Too often, we compartmentalize our faith, failing to realize that our interactions in the workplace are opportunities to show Christ to others. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Whether we are employers or employees, we are called to treat those we work with fairly, with integrity and respect. This means valuing others not just for what they can contribute to the company, but for who they are as people made in the image of God. In our professional relationships, we are ambassadors for Christ, and how we conduct ourselves speaks volumes about the faith we profess. These relationships, if cultivated with the right motives, can lead to opportunities for mentorship, witnessing, and personal growth.
- Mentorship
Mentorship is another critical aspect of godly relationships. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of mentoring relationships: Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, and most significantly, Jesus and His disciples. Godly mentorship goes beyond simply giving advice or sharing knowledge; it is about investing in the spiritual and personal development of another person.
A mentor is called to guide, correct, and encourage their mentee, helping them navigate the challenges of life and faith. Mentorship is a two-way relationship, where both mentor and mentee grow together in Christ. Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 is instructive: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
In other words, godly mentorship is not just about the individual relationship, but about equipping others to carry on the work of the Kingdom.
Importance of Cultivating and Maintaining Godly relationships
Here are some important reasons to cultivate and maintain Godly relationships:
1.Spiritual Growth and Accountability: Godly relationships help foster spiritual growth by encouraging one another in faith, prayer, and Bible study. They also provide accountability, ensuring that each person remains steadfast in their walk with Christ.
2. Encouragement and Support: Life can be challenging, and having Godly friends and partners offers emotional, spiritual, and even practical support. In times of difficulty, they can uplift, comfort, and encourage through prayer and Scripture.
3. Reflecting Christ’s Love: Godly relationships reflect Christ’s love for the world. By loving one another as Christ loves, Christians demonstrate the power of God’s love to others, which can be a testimony to non-believers.
4. Building Trust and Integrity: Godly relationships are built on biblical principles such as honesty, forgiveness, and faithfulness. These values foster trust, which is the foundation for meaningful and lasting connections.
5. Positive Influence and Wisdom: Surrounding oneself with Godly influences can help combat worldly temptations. Friends who share biblical values can provide wise counsel, helping individuals make righteous decisions based on God’s Word.
6. Fulfilling God’s Commandments: God commands Christians to love one another (John 13:34-35). Cultivating and maintaining Godly relationships is a direct response to this commandment, embodying a life of obedience to God.
7. Unity and Harmony in the Body of Christ: Godly relationships help strengthen unity in the church and promote harmony. When believers live in love and peace with one another, they form a strong, unified body of Christ.
8. Growth of the Kingdom of God: Godly relationships are also a tool for discipleship and evangelism. When believers come together in genuine fellowship, they create an environment where non-believers can witness Christ and are more likely to be drawn to the faith.
9. Strength to Overcome Temptation: In Godly relationships, believers can pray for each other, offer biblical advice, and hold each other accountable in their struggles with sin, making it easier to resist temptation.
10. Healing and Restoration: Godly relationships can offer a safe space for healing and reconciliation. In relationships grounded in Christ, forgiveness and restoration are key aspects that allow individuals to heal from past wounds.
These points highlight the importance of forming relationships rooted in Christ that encourage mutual growth, accountability, and the glorification of God.
Conclusion
Godly relationships are a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace to the world. In a society that often prioritizes independence, selfishness, and fleeting connections, believers are called to a higher standard. Our relationships are meant to reflect the love of Christ and point others to Him.
By cultivating and maintaining godly relationships, we not only enrich our own lives, but we also become vessels through which others can experience the love, grace, and truth of God. Let us commit to building relationships that honour God, reflect His character, and draw others closer to Him. Whether in friendship, family, mentorship, or professional life, may we embody the love that Christ has shown to us and be known by our love for one another.
Stay blessed!
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