The concept of the priority of relationships is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of love, community, and fellowship among believers and with God. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the relational nature of God and His desire for His people to live in harmonious relationships with one another.

God's Relational Nature

The Bible begins with the creation account, where God declares, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). This plural pronoun hints at the relational nature of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—existing in perfect unity and fellowship. Humanity, created in God's image, is thus inherently relational, designed for communion with God and others.

The Greatest Commandments

Jesus Christ, when asked about the greatest commandment, underscored the priority of relationships by summarizing the Law with two commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments encapsulate the essence of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that love for God and love for others are inseparable and paramount.

The New Commandment

In the New Testament, Jesus further elevates the importance of relationships among His followers. He instructs His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This commandment not only reiterates the call to love but also sets the standard of love as Christ's sacrificial love, which is to be the hallmark of Christian community.

The Early Church

The early church exemplified the priority of relationships through their communal life. Acts 2:42-47 describes the believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and met together with glad and sincere hearts, demonstrating a profound commitment to one another. This relational dynamic was a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the importance of relationships within the body of Christ. In Romans 12:10 , he exhorts believers to "be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Similarly, in Ephesians 4:2-3 , Paul urges the church to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

The priority of relationships also involves reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:23-24 that if one is offering a gift at the altar and remembers that a brother has something against them, they should first be reconciled to their brother before offering the gift. This underscores the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.

The Family of God

Believers are often referred to as the family of God, highlighting the relational aspect of the Christian faith. In Galatians 6:10 , Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This familial language reinforces the idea that relationships within the church are to be prioritized and nurtured.

Conclusion

The priority of relationships is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's relational nature and His desire for His people to live in love and unity. Through the teachings of Jesus, the example of the early church, and the exhortations of the apostles, Scripture consistently calls believers to prioritize their relationships with God and one another, embodying the love and grace of Christ in all interactions.