Engaging in Authentic Relationships

Our core principles in the new NDI Bylaws remind us that, as Jesus’ disciples, we are called to journey together as members of the Body of Christ in the same way that Jesus gathered travelling companions around himself. We are called to engage others in Authentic Relationships. Paul had a deep relationship with the Galatian church and insisted that he felt he was “in the pains of childbirth” until Christ was formed in them (4:19). In our maturity as Jesus’ disciples, we realize there is more to our relationship with him than the introductory moment of conversion. Christ is being formed in us. However, in our spiritual formation, we need the encouragement and assistance of those who walk with us. As the community of the faithful, we consider how we can help one another grow in grace (see Upward Call leader’s guide). These must be true, reliable, dependable, faithful, trustworthy relationships.

Relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ

The core of our faith and life is to love God and love others. When an expert in the Law questioned Jesus regarding the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:35-40), Jesus’ reply is two-fold: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus further affirmed: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” However, our love for God and neighbor is an unconditional love and is made possible only through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Everyone committed to the Great Commission should be engaged in relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ. Sin has sabotaged God’s desire for personal relationship with us, but Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to God as well as to restore full relationship with God and others. One aspect of discipleship requires us to nurture and sustain our personal walk with Jesus. Another aspect is reaching out to others in Jesus’ name. Both require careful and frequent checkups.

As is affirmed in our Nazarene Article of Faith XI, The Church, “God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit” (2017-2021 Manual, par. 11). When we know we are unconditionally loved by God and other believers, unity in the Body of Christ results.  This unconditional love knows no cultural, generational, or structural bounds. Nevertheless, “The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body, and also sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries.”

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

When we deeply care for one another, we discover our rich identity is in Christ, which results in spiritual growth. Christian marriages and strong Christian families are robust crucibles for engaging in authentic Christlike relationships. Also as our Nazarene Essentials affirms, we encourage spiritual growth of Christlike disciples in a variety of other ways, such as: “Bible quizzing programs, Caravan children’s ministry, Vacation Bible Schools, Christmas and Easter outreach programs, and compassionate ministry efforts.” Furthermore, “Ministries for men, women, senior adults, singles, special needs, sports teams, and a variety of other affinity groups are encouraged to help people make the connection to Christ and His church.”

Such loving relationships help us walk the path of holiness because we are receiving both encouragement and loving correction. We take a personal interest in one another and encourage each other to grow in God’s grace. Our churches develop small group Bible studies that encourage accountability. Our small group Bible studies provide both group and one-on-one accountability for new believers and those more mature in the faith. “In small groups, healthy relationships are developed that move beyond regular meetings to connecting with friends as a way of life. These study groups offer a mixture of Bible study and social interaction that is essential for growth in grace. Small discipleship groups develop into support systems for life together beyond Sunday” (Nazarene Essentials).

These Spirit-enabled relationships are necessary as we support one another in living a fully surrendered and a Spirit-filled life. It is our hope that you are already finding ways to engage in authentic relationships as you mature in your personal spiritual life as well as when you contribute to the discipleship of others. Please share with us some ways your journey with Jesus is enhanced through authentic relationships. You can contact me at dstanton@nazarene.org