The Five Relationships that Every Christian Needs
In our journey of faith, the relationships we cultivate play a crucial role in shaping our spiritual growth and overall well-being.
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of community and meaningful connections. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”
With this in mind, let’s explore five types of people every Follower of Jesus should strive to include in their circle of relationships:
1. The Mentor
A spiritual mentor is someone who has traversed the path of faith for a longer time and can offer invaluable wisdom, guidance, and perspective. They serve as a living example of a mature Christian life, helping us navigate complex life decisions and spiritual challenges through a biblical lens. The key to discovering a wise mentor is determine their capacity to listen as opposed to speak.
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
A mentor can provide insights from their own experiences, offer sound biblical advice, and help us avoid potential pitfalls in our spiritual journey. They can also challenge us to grow beyond our comfort zones and reach our full potential in Christ. They are out there. Get on the hunt!
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
2. The Accountability Partner
An accountability partner is a trusted friend who helps keep us on track in our spiritual journey. They provide support, encouragement, and when necessary, loving correction. This relationship is built on mutual trust, honesty, and a shared commitment to growing in faith.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Accountability partners help us maintain integrity in our personal and spiritual lives. They can ask tough questions, pray with and for us, and celebrate our victories. This relationship reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles and triumphs. If you are thinking that you don’t need an accountability partner, you’ll wish you had one once you cross a line that you cannot recover from.
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
3. The Encourager
We all face moments of doubt, fear, or discouragement. An encourager is someone who consistently uplifts our spirits and reminds us of God’s promises, especially during difficult times. Their words and actions serve as a source of strength and hope.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Encouragers have a gift for seeing the best in others and in situations. They remind us of our worth in Christ and help us persevere through challenges. Their presence in our lives can be a tangible expression of God’s love and care. Be that to others and you’ll find your encourager.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13
4. The Learner
Having someone to disciple or spiritually mentor allows us to share our faith and grow in our own understanding. Teaching others often reinforces our own beliefs and practices, challenging us to deepen our knowledge and articulate our faith more clearly. Remember that in this life, sometimes you win and every time you learn.
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
This relationship benefits both parties: the learner grows in faith and knowledge, while the teacher is reminded of the foundations of their beliefs and is often inspired by the fresh perspective and enthusiasm of a newer believer.
Get into learning. Leaders are readers and readers are learners.
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
5. The Challenger
A person who respectfully challenges our ideas and beliefs can help strengthen our faith. They encourage us to dig deeper into scripture, question our assumptions, and refine our understanding of God and His word. We all need this person in our lives. Work hard to know the difference between a challenger and false teacher.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
The challenger isn’t a combative presence, but rather someone who asks thought-provoking questions and presents alternative viewpoints in a loving manner. This relationship can lead to a more robust and well-rounded faith that can withstand scrutiny and doubt.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Cultivating these five types of relationships requires intentionality, vulnerability, and effort. However, the rewards are immeasurable. They provide a support system that reflects God’s love, fosters spiritual growth, and helps us navigate the complexities of life with faith and wisdom.
It’s important to remember that while these human relationships are crucial, our primary relationship should always be with God. He is the ultimate source of all wisdom, comfort, and growth. As we nurture these earthly connections, we should always seek to center them around our shared love for Christ.
In conclusion, let’s reflect on the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who beautifully captured the essence of Christian community:
“The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged, for by himself he cannot help himself without belying the truth. He needs his brother as a bearer and proclaimer of the divine word of salvation.”
May we all strive to build and nurture these life-giving relationships in our Christian journey, supporting one another as we grow in faith and love.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Go in Peace—Chuck
