Biblical Answer

The Nature of Our Relationship with God

Our relationship with God is a personal and intimate one, yet it is often marred by our own actions and attitudes. We may feel like we've done enough to maintain a relationship with God, but the truth is that our outward expressions of faith must also be right. God is not just interested in our intellectual assent to His existence, but in our daily lives and actions. As the Bible says, "Every detail of our lives is under His scrutiny" (Ps. 139:17). This means that we must be willing to examine our hearts and lives to see if we're truly living in a way that honors God.

The Problem of Conditional Relationships

Many of us struggle with the idea that our relationship with God is conditional. We may feel like we need to do more to earn God's love and approval, or that our relationship with Him is dependent on our performance. But this is a distortion of the true nature of our relationship with God. As Christians, we don't have to earn God's love or approval; it's already been given to us through Jesus Christ. Our relationship with God is not based on our works, but on the work of Christ. We are not trying to appease an angry or irritated God, but rather responding to the love and grace He has already shown us.

Growing in Our Relationship with God

So how can we grow in our relationship with God? The answer is not by trying to do more or earn His approval, but by simply being present with Him. As the Bible says, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). We can increase in God by allowing Him to work in our lives, through whatever circumstances we may be facing. This means being willing to be vulnerable, to trust Him, and to surrender to His will. As we do, we will find that our lives are transformed and we become more like Jesus. We will be at home with God, wherever we are, and our lives will be characterized by peace, joy, and love.