Claire L. Eva, Assistant Director, General Conference Stewardship Ministries
Summary: God calls us to be stewards of our relationships. The author points out that intentionally seeking out new relationships is soil for growth.
It is written: ?It [is] not good that the man should be alone....?(Gn 2:18). In the beginning was God. And from the beginning God was in relationship—the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were created for unbroken relationship, created to relate freely to Him and to one another.
While growing up, my five sisters were also my friends. And we had a lot to relate over. There were squabbles—territorial battles, battles over responsibilities, battles over clothing and other ?things?—but there was always love.
Relationships are ?soil? for growth. It is in relationship that we learn to know and accept ourselves and others, warts and all; precious sinners saved by the grace of our Abba, Father.
An intimate love relationship with God opens the heart for a growing trust in others and, thus, growing relationships. We all know that relationships are ?give and take.? That’s why one-sided relationships don’t last. True friendships are two-way, lifelong dialogues.
As God’s stewards we need to keep our hearts open to potential relationships we may encounter. Author, Ravi Zacharias tells the story of a lonely man his wife invited home for Christmas dinner. He was displeased, to say the least, because the man dominated what he thought would be an intimate family time. As the evening wore on, Ravi was ?stuck? with this man, listening to him and answering his questions. But when the gentleman stood to leave he extended his hand and said, ?I want to thank you for the best Christmas I’ve ever had in my entire life!?
It took so little to bring such joy! And, of course, Ravi will never forget the lesson of that evening. Relationship is for everyone. Who will be your next friend?
