When you are looking for a life partner or you encounter someone you want to befriend how do you go about pursuing them? Do you expect them to carry the entire work of building a relationship and hope that they will turn out to be your soulmate or do you put in any effort in knowing them before you pronounce them your soulmate?
I am assuming, you said that you would not blindly walk into a relationship. You would do what needs done. Why is a relationship with Jesus any different? We know He wants a relationship with us, there is abundant proof of that. He died on the cross for us. Should we task Him with the onus of building a strong relationship with us as well?
Here is what I assume most people do when they meet someone that they want to grow closer to. This list omits the step where you first find out that the person in question loves our good Lord.
- You look them up. In the age of social media, it is easy to stalk people without being caught.
- Setup short dates, coffee or maybe lunch
- Seek out common acquaintances and get any relevant scoop
- Spend more dedicated time, listening, observing, doing things together or just hanging out
- Share hopes and fears
- Finally, meet their close friends and family, ask for more information. Be curious about how you would fit in with them and what life will be like once you are integrated with them and their close circle of family and friends.
And, keep growing closer and closer with time.
So, there it is. We have it all figured out for how to have a strong relationship with our soulmates. How does this translate to fortifying your relationship with Jesus? Simple enough, it is the same.
- Spend time in scripture. Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Read the gospels. Read the Bible, cover to cover. His characteristics will become apparent.
- Set time aside every day to have “Coffee with Jesus”
- Talk to fellow Christians who love the Lord and are seeking Him. Listen to the apostles, they took time to write about Him.
- Observe Him working in the lives of others. Serve like He would alongside Him. Roll up your sleeves and wash feet if you have to (figuratively, of course).
- Pray, Pray, Pray – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Ask the Holy Spirit and Father Almighty to open your eyes to who Jesus is and pray to help fortify your bond with Him.
And, keep growing closer and closer with time. May you discover Him, the one true love who is constant in your life.
Dear Jesus,
Reveal yourself to me, help me grow closer to You. Remove these scales from my eyes so that I can see and know You better. Guide me into a relationship with You that is the strongest one in my life. May all my other relationships be built upon ours. Amen.