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By Dr. Dwayne Pedroza, Faculty, College of Theology
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There are no perfect relationships. All relationships are messy, but if we choose not to give up on real relationship, we will become more like Christ. We will go through the difficult times together and celebrate the successes in life with each other. We will fail each other but not abandon each other. We will learn to love and be loved more selflessly, and that makes this life on earth much better.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” — Romans 12:9-13
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Look at Jesus. Jesus loved and accepted people. He spoke the truth with grace and love—and people rejected him, denied him and doubted him. Yet Jesus wanted God’s best for each person. He simply lived out what Paul wrote about in Romans 12:9-16. The ones who accepted Jesus experienced a real relationship with him that we should model in our lives.
Yes, relationships are risky, but if we allow them, they will help move us toward spiritual maturity. When we have people in our lives that speak the truth, address our sins, encourage us, and humbly live life with us, it fosters a healthy environment that encourages emotional and spiritual growth.
We either can desire or deny that we need relationships and yet at the same time, the Bible shows that we were created for relationship.
It is easy to question if people see the real us, hear our successes and failures, hurts and habits, poor decisions and sins. In these moments, we ask ourselves, “Will they accept us and love us?” This is a natural feeling because chances are, we have all been hurt, and probably by people we care about the most. This is a problem, because while we were made for relationships it is risky to love and be loved.
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