Relationships can be difficult. Building healthy relationships requires work and a good amount of effort that many just aren’t willing to make. The lack of willingness to do your part usually ends in a failed relationship. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we are entering into a personal relationship with Him. This relationship, like earthly relationships, requires some effort on our part.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him they did so without question. They trusted Him and desired to serve Jesus no matter what they had to leave behind. Although their relationship began as Master and servant, Jesus soon elevated it to a brotherly kind of friendship where Jesus shared God’s plans for them and all mankind. To build their relationship with Jesus, the disciples spent time with Him, they listened to Him, they learned forgiveness, love, and patience. The more they were with Jesus the stronger their relationship grew. There was one disciple, however, who chose to spend time away from Jesus and instead found his way toward bad influences and betrayal, ultimately ending in a failed relationship with Jesus. I recently read that people do not rebel against authority, they rebel against a lack of relationship. That was definitely the case with the wayward disciple. When he chose not to cultivate his relationship with Jesus he rebelled against the ultimate authority, God Himself.

Spending time with our Heavenly Father means making time to read His Word and learning more about Him. We can spend time in prayer talking to Him and allow God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. When we spend time with God, others will know because His Love will radiate from us in our words and actions. Let us encourage each other to spend time with our Lord, and put in the effort to help our Heavenly relationship to grow, so that others will see Jesus in you.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, forgive me for placing other things or people before You in my life. I have seen that without you I make erred choices and I want my life to glorify you. Fill me with the desire to spend time with You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    John 15:4 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.