Jesus desires that we may all have a close relationship with ourselves. That is why he gave up his heavenly glory, came down on earth in the form of a servant, was tortured, and died for our sins so that we may be saved. All this he did out of love for us. Having an intimate relationship with Jesus is different from knowing about him. However, the relationship we share with Jesus varies from one person to another. Furthermore, building a deeper relationship with Jesus takes time and does not happen instantly when you give your life to him. So, you might be now questioning, how can I build a relationship with Jesus?
Just like human relationships, building a relationship with Jesus will require your time, consistency, communication, and commitment. You have to be intentional in the relationship you want to nurture with your savior and work towards that. Some ways you can use to build a relationship with Jesus Christ are by reading his word, praying, attending fellowships, meditating upon his word, and fully abiding in him.
So, what does it mean to have a relationship with Jesus? How do you start building a relationship with Jesus? How do you strengthen your relationship with Jesus? Does Christianity also mean a relationship with Jesus? How do you know you have a relationship with Jesus? Keep reading to get the answers to these questions and more.
What does it mean to have a relationship with Jesus?
Having a relationship with Jesus means that you are in a relationship with someone who loves you overwhelmingly, accepts your flaws, and loves you even before you accepted him in your life. A relationship with Jesus begins when you realize that you cannot do without him, confess that you are a sinner, and in faith, accept him to be your personal savior and believe that he has washed you clean.
Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved.”
From acceptance of him as your savior, you now start working towards nurturing an intimate relationship with yourself. The scripture notes that God knew us before we were even in our mother’s wombs, and he has good plans for us. Therefore, he knows all parts of us even before we seek to form a relationship with him. Being vulnerable with him will help you grow closer to him, as you will allow him to nurture you in all ways.
How do you start building a relationship with Jesus?
The first step in building a relationship with Jesus is by accepting him as your personal savior. 1st John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It is important to note that the only thing we need to start building an intimate relationship with Christ is faith. The scripture is clear that we are not saved by our righteous works so that none of us can boast, but we are saved through faith. Furthermore, Christ died for all of us, which means everyone has an equal chance to establish a relationship with him.
After accepting Christ in your life, you must abide in him for your relationship with him to grow. He says in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word; and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home him.”
How do you strengthen your relationship with Jesus?
The first thing to do if you want to get deeper into your relationship with Jesus is to read and meditate upon his word. The only way Jesus reveals himself fully to us is through the scripture. We interact intimately, understand his different natures, and learn what he expects from us. Reading the bible is like listening to a friend set boundaries for us. However, our relationship with Jesus is more than just a human relationship with him; he loves us fully despite our flaws. Jesus will never leave us if we abide in him, something we cannot be sure of in human relationships.
Another way to build a relationship with God is to spend time with him. Whether it is praying, just listening to him, or having a quiet moment with him. There are different times in which you can bask in his presence and just meditate upon his goodness. This will allow you to grow close to him and establish ways to enjoy more time with him. Furthermore, while communicating with him through prayer, be sure to listen to him. And not just listen, but follow whatever instructions he gives you.
Lastly, you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus through worshipping and praising him. Using your gift to serve Jesus will allow you to grow fond of him. By worshipping and praising him, you allow him to be uplifted in you. Walking with Jesus requires us to be humble, surrender to him, and allow him to lead us.
Does Christianity also mean a relationship with Jesus?
Christianity does not necessarily mean that you have a relationship with Jesus. Anyone who accepted Christ as their personal savior is definitely considered a Christian. But not every Christian has established a relationship with him. Having a relationship with Jesus requires more than accepting him as your personal savior. It requires us to put effort and go a step deeper into knowing him and understanding who he really is.
The scripture says that those who claim to believe in him must walk as he did. Having a relationship with Jesus is being on a journey to be like him. The deeper you know Christ, the deeper you desire to be like him. That requires you to have more than the title Christianity, but seek to spend quality time with him, know what he expects from you, and pray to him to teach you how to love him.
Jesus defines what it means to have a relationship with him in the book of John 15:14-15, “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my father, I have made known to you.” Therefore, to have a relationship with Jesus is to know what he expects from us and do as he commands.
How do you know you have a relationship with Jesus?
We know that we have a relationship with Jesus if he is the center of everything we do. As stated earlier, Jesus notes that we are his friends if we follow his commands. If you turn away from your sinful ways and make a decision to put your faith in him, then the journey of developing a relationship with him has already started.
John 1:12 says, “But as many, as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name.” Therefore, the first way to know if you have a relationship with Jesus is if you believe in him. Afterward, all you have to do is abide in him, read his word, do his will and follow his commands.
References
Three ways you can build a relationship with God
How can I have a deeper relationship with Jesus?
How to start building your relationship with God, no matter where you are now
What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God?
What does the bible say about having a relationship with Jesus?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
