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I heard a pastor say the other day, “Many times people repeat things that are true, but not in the right context.” I see much of this in the world. People are always trying to get things to favor them or their position. It can be on a subject or yes, even people. If you do not like someone then you want everybody else not to like them.

The Bible explains in Romans 12 that as Christ Followers we are to be devoted to one another and to give preference to one another in honor. It also tells us: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:14-18)

In Philippians we find to “…regard one another more important than ourselves;” I can hear the echo, “ourselves!” Yes, God desires us to go the distance in relationships toward others and amongst other Christ Followers. Relationships are hard but they are necessary.

God did everything that he could do to obtain a relationship with all of humankind. He made a way for us to be with him for all eternity. By his greatest sacrifice he made sure we can know him and to be loved by him. His one and only son paid the price: he carried the sins of the world, he was nailed to a cross, he bled, he died, he laid in a tomb for three days, he rose again, walked the face of the earth before he ascended into heaven-where he now sits at the right hand of the Father. One day he is returning to take every Christ Follower with him back to heaven. A place we will be with God forever and ever. It is up to us to choose him.

Relationships depend on us making the right choices. It depends on us choosing Gods way and not our natural tendencies: “our way.” It is quite easy, even as a Christ Follower to choose wrong. We are human, but we do have God to help us make those godly choices.

This week let us evaluate our relationship with God and our relationship with others. Let us make sure we are using the right context to communicate to the world our devotion to each other.

Yvette Perrin can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.