Ephesians 3:17b-19 – And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

A friend and I were having an email conversation not too long ago and found ourselves sharing about family members with whom we desire to have better and deeper relationships. Due to circumstances beyond the control of us and them, however, we both know that there will always be limits imposed upon the depth of our earthly intimacy with these ones we love.

Facing this fact is not easy, but it is manageable when we trust that God will continue to guide and direct us in regards to accepting and having the best relationship possible with them now and in the future, amidst the boundaries of circumstance.

Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

Relationships are important. Everyone longs for the fulfillment that being loved and loving brings into our lives. When such longings and fulfillment with others are limited or thwarted, great frustration, sorrow, pain, and even guilt can weigh us down as we seek to discover ways to improve, heal, or accept the relationship in question. The fact remains, however, that no matter how hard we work, or change, or do, the relationships that we have with others on earth will always be limited. They will never completely fulfill us, for even the best of human relationships are always flawed to one degree or another by sin.

Relationship with God, however, is very different, for we are involved with the Divine, Who loves us perfectly and eternally. For, as the apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Yes, human relationship will never be perfect, but relationship with God is never-ending and ever-fulfilling, for there are no limitations on God's love, only limitless possibilities within it for those who allow themselves to embrace and be embraced by His eternal goodness in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the opportunity of never-ending and ever-fulfilling relationship with You, which is available to all people. May many lonely, hurting, angry, and unfulfilled hearts be healed this day as people throughout the world yield to the power of Your Holy Spirit and choose by faith to embrace and be embraced by Your eternal forgiveness and love in Christ Jesus, in Whose name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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