top of page
Search

BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jul 23, 2024
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Acts 9:31-42

Psalm 116:12-17

John 6:60-69

Behind every successful relationship is years of working together, planning together and trusting each other. No relationship is perfect from the get-go. And no relationship is without its challenges. There has to be some level of understanding between two people before they can journey together. If you take a look at the life of Saint Peter and all that we know about him, we are tempted to summarise his life with one word—DENIAL.


Before he denied Jesus, Peter's flaws were known. But one moment defined his life more than any other. It was the moment when people were leaving Jesus. And Jesus said to the Twelve: “What about you, do you want to go away too?” Then Peter said something that became the pillar of his relationship with Jesus: “Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69). These words set the trajectory for his life even after he denied Jesus and wept bitterly. He realized his need to depend on the grace of God and he was filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. After those moments of turbulence, he found his purpose and footing and became a source of consolation and healing for the early Christian community.


Here are some things we can learn from Peter’s relationship with Christ that can enrich our relationship with God and with one another:

  • Submit to Jesus because there is no one else to turn to.

  • Develop a spirituality of prayer just like Peter who knelt to pray.

  • Forgive yourself every time you fail. Rise and continue in faithfulness to God.

  • Care for other people—not just reaching out to others when you need them.

  • Willingness to learn—you are always learning from God and growing as a result of what you know.

  • Repay the goodness of God by serving others.


These are the ways we grow our relationship with God and become messengers of His goodness. It is not enough to say that you are in a relationship with someone—you are tied spiritually to them. Your prayer over them is a necessity. Your service to them is indicative that you want them to grow. And your willingness to change aspects of your life and be better is proof that you love them and want things to work. May God help you become the best version of yourself and draw strength from God to serve others and find true peace in Jesus’ name. Amen.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Lord, I turn to you. You have the message of eternal life. I believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. Keep me close to you and never let me be separated from you, now or ever. Amen.

  2. Happy Good Shepherd Sunday. As your life shines before others in the image of Christ, His grace and favour shall accompany all that you do through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

  3. May the joy of the Risen Lord, fill your heart with light and peace, and dispel the darkness of selfishness, evil and shame. May God’s grace abound in you always and grant you your good heart’s desires in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page