Relationships are Hard
Relationship are Hard
We all have relationship struggles from time to time. Some are serious and some are trivial. Some of us long for deep, connected, intimate relationships, while others just go along to get along - never truly understanding what they are missing. We feel the distance when something separates us – an argument, lack of understanding or empathy, or maybe even trust issues. We watch the relationships of others and wish our relationship could be like that – connected, authentic and secure. We want what we want, but struggle to do the hard stuff. We want it to be easy, but the truth is - relationships are hard. Connected, authentic and secure relationships only happen when both parties are committed to love and to show care for the other party – even when we do not understand them. We cannot only be focused on ourselves and have a healthy relationship. Agree?
Relationships are hard. Our flesh is selfish and longs for someone to truly love us, no matter what, even when we are at our very worst. We already have what we want. A connected, authentic and secure relationship is ours, we just have to step into it, step into our relationship with Jesus. The most exciting part about a relationship with Jesus is that He truly does love us. He doesn’t just say it; He has proven it. He loves us unconditionally, no matter what, even when we are at our very worst.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
We want a relationship with Jesus, we do, but most of the time we just go along to get along – not realizing what we are missing. We do a devotional in the morning and attend Sunday morning services because we believe that is what is expected of us. Just like in our human relationships – thinking we know what others expect – leads us astray. Instead, if we asked them we might find that what they want is simply us – our time, our conversation and our understanding. Jesus is waiting for that as well. You see, we already have Him – whether we know it or not. He has given Himself completely for us and to us. He is waiting for us to do the same. We can start by giving Him our time, talking with Him and getting to know Him so we can understand who He is. It is not about what we are doing – it is about stopping and saying, here I am, Lord – I am yours – I want to walk with You and talk with You – my heart belongs to You.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14
We want a close relationship with Jesus, but there is this… what is it… separation or distance. We can’t feel His presence. Others say they do, but He is elusive to us. Why is that? Well, something has come between you two and you need to go to Him and address it. Odds are it is your sin. It might not be a blatant sin, but a secret sin that no one else sees – self-centeredness, bitterness, anger, etc. Something that keeps you from running back to Jesus and laying yourself at the feet of His cross. He suffered and died for us and is simply asking us to live for Him. We should die to our carnal ways and submit completely to living our life His way. He is so good and living in the center of His will is the sweet spot of this short and fleeting life.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
We can have what we long for in Jesus – a connected, authentic and secure relationship. He is everything we have ever wanted, everything we need. We can truly trust Him and find complete security in Him. He is the only One who will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He is the only One who has given His life so that we could find ours. (I John 5:13) He has done for us what is unfathomable. (1 Peter 3:18) He is committed to this relationship; how about you? Are you committed? Are you submitted? Are you surrendered? When we surrender every area of our life to Jesus, what we find is freedom – freedom from condemnation, freedom to be who He created us to be, freedom to rest in His great love and many promises.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36
It’s Easter, y’all. Take time to read and comprehend what Jesus has done for you. It is alive and He wants a deep, authentic, secure relationship with you. May it compel you to surrender your life completely to Him. He has great plans for you. It’s time to live for Him. This is so much more.
A Message from Pam:
During March, we are talking about "Religion vs. Relationship". We don't want to be religious. We want to have a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus!
Do you know Jesus? If you just aren't sure, download the Plan of Salvation and read through the scriptures. I would love to chat with you about it. Feel free to reach out to me.
You are invited to visit the Marketplace where you will find the book - Saved by Grace, Now What? and graphic tees, connect with Master What Matters via our Facebook page, Facebook group, Instagram, and subscribe to us on YouTube (just look for the Master What Matters logo).
Invite your friends! Let's travel this journey together and get to know Jesus more and more!