The First and Most Important Relationship: Jesus

True intimacy is a rare and precious gift. It is more than just sharing space or exchanging pleasantries. True intimacy means being fully known, accepted, and loved for who we are. It is about a deep connection that involves trust, vulnerability, and commitment. While many people search for this level of closeness in human relationships, the most important and transformative relationship we can ever have begins with Jesus Christ.

Jesus offers a love and understanding that no human can fully match. He sees our deepest fears, hopes, and struggles and loves us completely. Our first and most essential friendship must be with Him because only through Jesus can we experience the fullness of God’s love and intimacy. Every other relationship is enriched when our relationship with Jesus is central to our lives.

The Barrier of Sin

The relationship between humanity and God was not always accessible. In the beginning, God created us to live in perfect harmony with Him, but sin disrupted this design. Sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. As Romans 5:12 explains, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned." This sin nature was passed down to every generation, leaving us separated from God.

Our sinful nature rebels against God’s authority. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This rebellion creates a chasm between us and the Creator. No matter how hard we try, we cannot bridge this gap on our own. Romans 6:23 reminds us of the gravity of sin, saying, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This separation not only distances us from God but also leaves an emptiness in our hearts that no human relationship or worldly possession can fill. People often attempt to satisfy this longing with achievements, material wealth, or fleeting pleasures, but the void remains. This is because we were created for a specific purpose: to know and love God.

God’s Solution: A Perfect Sacrifice

In His infinite love and mercy, God provided a way to reconcile us to Himself. He did not leave us in our broken state. Instead, He devised a plan that addressed both His justice and His love. God’s justice requires that sin be punished. Deuteronomy 17:1 states, "Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to him." Only a perfect, unblemished sacrifice could satisfy the penalty for sin.

Throughout history, no human could meet this standard because all have sinned. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, was the only one who could. He lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. John 1:29 describes Him as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

Jesus’ death on the cross was not just an act of sacrifice but also a profound demonstration of love. Romans 5:8 tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." His resurrection three days later conquered death and secured the hope of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

An Invitation to Intimacy

God has done everything necessary to bring us into His family and restore the relationship that sin destroyed. He extends an invitation to each of us to experience a relationship marked by love, forgiveness, and intimacy. This invitation requires a personal response.

Salvation is not something we can earn through good deeds or moral behavior. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." We must recognize our need for a Savior and place our faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in His sacrifice as the only way to be reconciled with God.

When we accept this invitation, we become part of God’s family. John 1:12 promises, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This relationship with God is not distant or transactional. It is personal, intimate, and transformative.

A Relationship That Transforms

Making Jesus the foundation of our lives changes everything. The emptiness that once defined us is replaced with a sense of purpose and belonging. We experience freedom from the guilt and shame of our past sins because Jesus has paid the price for them in full. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

This relationship with Jesus also brings satisfaction that the world cannot offer. Psalm 16:11 states, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Walking with Jesus gives us peace, joy, and a sense of security, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Our relationship with Jesus also transforms how we interact with others. As we experience His love and forgiveness, we are empowered to extend that same love and grace to those around us. Ephesians 4:32 urges us, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

This Christmas, Say Yes to Jesus

The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ. Through Him, we receive freedom from sin, satisfaction in His love, and the joy of an eternal relationship with God. These blessings are not temporary or dependent on circumstances. They are eternal and unshakable because they come from the One who never changes.

If you have not yet entered into a relationship with Jesus, today is the perfect time. Romans 10:9-10 promises, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Let this Christmas be the moment you accept the gift of Jesus and begin a relationship with Him. He is the Friend who knows you completely, loves you unconditionally, and walks with you every step of the way.

Let Jesus be your first and most important relationship. In Him, you will find a love that surpasses all understanding, a purpose that gives life meaning, and a joy that transforms every aspect of your life. Today is the day to say yes to His invitation and embrace the intimacy and love you were created for.