Sermon # 24 - God Helps Strengthen Our Relationships Series

We read in Hebrews 13:6, Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" (GNB)

The above mentioned verse can be divided into three parts:

• Firstly, the Lord is our helper

• Secondly, we need not be afraid

• Thirdly, man can do nothing against us

This is something each one of us should declare boldly, and that is the fact that the Lord is our helper, and there is therefore nothing that we should be afraid of. God is our helper also implies that no one can come against us, and overcome us. Oftentimes, we find ourselves in situations where nobody can extend any sort of help to us. It is in those times that we should say with confidence that God is our helper, for we can be certain that the Lord will assist us without fail.

There are many calamities that we encounter in our lives, but in this message I want to share the complication that arises in relationships and how we should strive to set them right. Let us study further to see how the Lord can be our helper, to enable us to set right all of our relationships.

Jesus had twelve disciples, and one of them was Peter. Though Peter was impetuous he had a truly special relationship with Jesus. In every important event that transpired while Jesus was here on earth, Peter was always there, and it was Peter who was really quick to answer, often without thinking too.

They say people can be classified into four types, based on the way they speak. The first, think before speaking. The second, think while they speak. The third, think after they speak. The fourth, don’t think even after they speak. Peter belonged to the third type.

Peter was overconfident

We read in Matthew 26:31, Then Jesus said to them, "This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, 'God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (GNB)

In the above mentioned verse, Jesus was preparing His disciples for what lay ahead of them that night, as He was being led to the cross to be crucified. As all other disciples tried to comprehend what Jesus was trying to say to them, this was Peter’s immediate response.

This is recorded in Matthew 26:33, Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, "I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!" (GNB)

Peter’s instant response to Jesus was that he would never desert Jesus, though everyone else did. Peter was impudent, and believed that nothing or no one could separate him from Jesus.

Many of us have had this experiences where we had those close people who assured us that they would stand by us no matter what, but sadly left us when we least expected. Usually one of the reasons for these kind of rifts in relationships is the overconfidence one has on the other. There are many who actually are overconfident that nothing will affect their relationships in their family, at work, or even in the church. When a person is presumptuous, they will ignore the little rifts in relationships, which will eventually become a major problem. It is important to be alert in all relationships, and to take corrective steps whenever necessary, to set things right.

Peter was not watchful

Let us look at another factor that could also cause break in relationships.

It is recorded in Matthew 26:40, Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, "How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? (GNB)

As Jesus prayed earnestly to the Father knowing that the hour had come for Him to be handed over to be crucified, He also asked His disciples to watch and pray along with Him. When Jesus returned from prayer, he found all of them asleep. Jesus specifically admonished Peter to watch and pray, knowing that there was a test that lay ahead for Peter.

The second important point we must consider to keep our relationships strong is that we should be watchful. As families we must be aware of the mental and emotional state of each family member. The husband must pay attention to his wife’s needs, and vice versa. So also parents should be aware of the situations that the children are facing. If we don’t place close attention, we will surely miss out on these vital signs. In order for this to happen it is essential that we invest our time in building relationships. Generally, families get together during dinner time to share with each other all that happened during that day. Sadly, this fellowship time has been replaced by cell phones. In many homes each one is engaged with their own cell phones, with not much thought even about the food that is placed before them, and thereby having no time for any sort of meaningful conversations. It is vital for us to spend time together as a family, and if we do not treat this seriously, we will soon be challenged with many issues. If a husband or wife observes that there is some sort of distancing in their relationship, they must do all they can to restore it at the earliest.