Did you know the word “relationship” is not found in the King James Bible. Does that mean the concept of relationship (with God or fellow Christians) is not contained in the Bible? No! It means the translation from Greek to Latin to 400 year old English doesn’t use the word “relationship.” Let’s consider the definitions of these two words.
- relationship
- 1. The condition or fact of being related
2. Connection by blood or marriage
3. Description of type of connection
–TheFreeDictionary - fellowship
- 1. Companionship on equal terms
2. Friendship, comradeship
–TheFreeDictionary
What about Greek words that mean “relationship” as used in other modern translations of the Bible?
- 2842 koinónia (koy-nohn-ee’-ah)
- fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, contact; in the N.T. as in classical Greek.
1. the share which one has in anything, participation
2. contact, fellowship, intimacy
3. a benefaction jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution - 2643 katallagé (kat-al-lag-ay’)
- 1. exchange; of the business of money-changers, exchanging equivalent values ((Aristotle, others)). Hence,
2. adjustment of a difference, reconciliation, restoration to favor, (from Aeschylus on); in the N. T., of the restoration of the favor of God to sinners that repent and put their trust in the expiatory death of Christ
As you can see, these words talk about sharing things in common and being in a place of favor or intimacy. But our relationship with Jesus Christ and fellow-Christians is even stronger than fellowship because we are related by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s consider what God did to build this relationship with you…
If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us. In addition, our Lord Jesus Christ lets us continue to brag about God. After all, it is through Christ that we now have this restored relationship with God. (Romans 5:11-12)
God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. (Ephesians 4:14-15)
This is the message we heard from Christ and are reporting to you: God is light, and there isn’t any darkness in him. If we say, “We have a relationship with God” and yet live in the dark, we’re lying. We aren’t being truthful. But if we live in the light in the same way that God is in the light, we have a relationship with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from every sin. (1 John 1:5-7)
How is your “relationship” with God?
How much do you have in common with God? How much of your life is in common with God? Your thoughts? Your words? Your actions? Do you wish it were more? It can be. God wants to have a relationship with you right where you are. You don’t have to move or change. He wants to meet you right where you are and help you grow from there.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died [to restore our relationship] for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
God has united you [in a relationship] with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right [and restored our relationship] with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31)
I am writing to you who share [a relationship in] the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:1-3)
How is your “relationship” with other Christians?
How much do you have in common? If you focus on all the doctrinal differences and denominational divisions, then Satan wins by diverting your attention. But, if you focus on Christ in us, the hope of glory, then Jesus Christ wins because he is all, and in all, and in you all, if you have accepted him as your Lord and Savior. Please read 101 verses on walking with one another about building relationships and maintaining relationships with fellow Christians.
Until I have a strong relationship with you, I have purposed in my heart and mind to follow the example of the Apostle Paul when he first met with the Christians in Corinth…
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
We would like to have a relationship with you based on the Lord Jesus Christ. And, we would like to encourage you to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ because this is important for you. Please write to us if you would like to share your spiritual journey.
For deeper study: