We are created for the very purpose of relationship! First, with God and then with others. Which is why the greatest commandment of all fits in perfectly with the reason we exist. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, The Lord is one, And you shall love the Lord your God with your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

It stands to reason then, if you are going to fulfill this purpose you must possess both a relationship with God and with others. A life devoid of relationships leaves a gaping hole in our souls resulting in attempts to fill that void with everything but relationships, and in the end isn’t true life at all.

Charles Schulz writer of the popular Peanuts cartoon is quoted as saying “I love mankind its people I can’t stand!!” Similar statements made by others include, “Everything would be fine in life and work if I didn’t have to deal with people. Or I love you but don’t like you.” Yes, we have all likely said or thought these things when facing challenging folk. However, think about it, without relationships and people in your life what have you got? We are wired for relationships, to live in community, not lives spent in isolation.

Have you made room for them? They take time and you can’t rush through them. We must get beyond the perfunctory how are you doing, and nice weather were having, or how about those Dodgers, and engage with people at a deeper level. Making room in life for relationships involves, establishing trust, being vulnerable, authentic, transparent, giving and forgiving. All of which takes and happens over time. Of course, as you commit to deeper levels of companionship there will be challenges, conflict, and friction along the road to lasting and abiding friendships. But true, meaningful and giving relationships are so satisfying, fulfilling and worth the investment.

Still on the fence about making room for relationships? You do realize don’t you that it is impossible to follow and obey the “59 one another” verses in Scripture without them right? The words “one another” occurs about 100 times in the New Testament.

Love one another, forgive one another, care for one another, greet one another, comfort one another, bear one anothers burdens, pray for one another, encourage one another, exhort one another, serve one another, build one another up, to name just a few.

In essence, all of life at end of the day is about relationships.  So, let’s not rush through them or ignore them. Are there relationships you need to spend more time, energy and commitment on? What about your relationship with God, your spouse, sons, daughters, friends and co-workers.  Start today by putting those people on your calendar. Be intentional, make room for relationships your number one priority.

Are there fractured relationships you need to mend with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors? Don’t put it off start now. If you are the one who caused a breech, repent, seek reconciliation and restoration. Scripture tells us in Romans 12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. I read a quote recently that said, “Relationships should be one of your core values in life.” I would correct that to say they are “THE” core value of life.

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