Relationships

Read 1 John 1:3, what do you see? It basically says that brother John touched God in an intimate way, then he brought others into the same enjoyment. In other words, his fellowship with other believers was based on his fellowship with God.

Read Ephesians 4:16, what do you see? It says "out from the Head (Christ)" we are connected. In other words, if I am under the headship of Christ properly, my connection with others would be valuable.

The vertical fellowship with the Head is the basis for the horizontal fellowship with others around us. The horizontal fellowship should be an extension or overflow from the vertical fellowship. Practically speaking, we have to find our own value, meaning and identification deep within us before any meaningful relationships can be established.

With the above understanding, the following types of inter-person relationships should be minimized:

1. Dependence upon others

Don't try to find values from other persons, things or matters. The only one we need to depend on is the Person in our spirit. He is the treasure within us. Without a firm rooting in the Lord, there will be no healthy relationships.

2. Dominance over others

Persons of dominance usurp the headship of Christ. They exercise control and force their decisions over people. Relationships with this kind of persons would not have long-term benefits.

3. Absence of mutuality

Healthy relationships should be based on mutual respect and mutual edification. You contribute and you receive. It is a two-way traffic. Any one-way giving, one-way receiving, lack of flexibility, or unwillingness to share will not produce any building-up.

4. Isolation, exclusion, and little circles