II Corinthians 6:18 NKJV “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”
It's your the most important relationship because it's eternal. The status of that relationship determines your eternal destiny. Will you spend it in the presence of God where is fullness of joy.
Psalms 16:11 NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Away from His presence where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:37-43 NKJV He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
The most damaging enemy is not the person who hates you but the person who tempts to steal or belittle your relationships with God and family.
I Corinthians 15:33 NKJV Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
Proverbs 14:7 NKJV Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
That's exactly what sin and wrong relationships do...take you away from God, family, and God's purpose for your life. We cannot afford to indulge in foolishness or foolish relationships...it will always be costly. It may cost us today or many years later. Few things in life are as costly to us as foolish relationships.
II Corinthians 6:14-15 NKJV Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
My past is littered with wrong and foolish relationships that resulted in sin and foolish decisions. Although God, and those who were negatively affected, have forgiven me, the consequences remain and some of them will remain until I am with the Lord.
I once heard a saying, "Show me your 5 closest relationships and I'll show you your future." We truly become similar to the company we keep so it is very wise to make sure that the people we are closest to are an encouragement to us in regards to God, our family, and God's life purpose for us.
Proverbs 13:20 NKJV He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Ask God for wisdom and discernment in your relationships. Ask Him to mightily grow and bless your most vital relationships: Him, your spouse and children, your family, friends, and your church family.
Ephesians 6:2-3 NKJV “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
Hebrews 13:4 NKJV Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Ask Him to guide and direct all of your relationships as well as your life purpose.
He truly cares about all of our relationships...especially the ones He purposely chose to be life-long such as with Him and family.
Be a bright witness to everyone around you and be kind to everyone.
Encourage your loved ones to establish and have good relationships with their most vital relationships: God, spouse, children, family, friends, and fellow Christians.
Editor's Note:. Some Content from YouVersion Reading Plan Grief Bites: Finding Treasure In Heartbreak by Kim Niles and Grief Bites