What Jesus really said about relationships
When someone you love tells you something more than once, you listen. It’s important to that person, so it becomes important to you, too.
It’s the same way with God.
When we read the Bible and learn more about who Jesus is, we see how important relationships are to Him. Jesus showed us the importance of relationships in what He said and the way He lived His life.
Eight Things Jesus Showed Us About Relationships
1. Jesus helps us see what's right when we’re with people.
When we gather with other Christians, the decisions God wants us to make become even more apparent (Matthew 18:20). We see God most clearly through our relationships with others.
2. Jesus said love is non-negotiable.
The most important commandment Jesus gave us is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40). Healthy relationships are so important that God didn’t just suggest we treat others well; He commanded it.
3. Jesus is our role model for how to love people.
Jesus did everything He could to help His friends and followers know God. We do the same thing when we’re willing to do whatever it takes to help friends and family members take their next steps in their walks with Jesus (John 15:12-15).
4. Jesus told His friends not to do life alone.
Jesus sent His followers out in pairs to share the good news of God’s peace (Luke 10:1-2). Rather than sending them alone, Jesus wanted everyone to have someone to travel and do work with. When God asks us to take the next step, He often uses other Christians to help us along the way.
5. Jesus redefined family.
Family is more than just biological parents, siblings and blood relatives. Family includes other Christians, too (Mark 3:31-35).
6. Jesus put others’ needs before His wants.
After grieving the death of a friend, Jesus planned to spend some restful time alone. Crowds followed Him to a remote place. Rather than being angry and sending them away, Jesus had compassion on them and performed a miracle to feed them (Matthew 14:13-21).
7. Jesus shared meals with people.
In Jesus’s culture, sharing a meal with someone meant you were no longer strangers, but close friends. Jesus extended His friendship and kindness to people far from God, the religious leaders who thought they had God figured out, and everyone in between (Mark 2:15-17, Luke 7:36).
8. Jesus emphasized individuals over tasks.
Jesus wants His followers to care for hurting and troubled people (John 21:15-17). Rather than seeing people as projects to improve, He wants us to love the way He loved and serve the way He served — personally and unconditionally.
Want to experience thriving relationships like Jesus talked about? Don’t try to go it alone. Come to Connect Classes to get to know people on your campus.