Christian relationships come in many different forms, from friendships, dating or marriage relationships between individuals that are guided by the same Christian beliefs, values and practices.

Have you ever wondered whether it was right to involve a selected number of members from your church community in matters concerning your relationship? Do you feel frightened by the idea of opening up about your relationship and fear that you will be judged or made fun of if you did; well here is what the bible and the spirit of prophecy say about this matter:

What is the Role of the Church Community in Christian Relationships

Spiritual Guidance

One of the major roles of the church community in our relationships is spiritual guidance and mentorship. I believe that majority of us have been in situations when were confused and troubled about certain events in our relationships or we needed spiritual insight and advice to make really important decisions, in such moments what we needed was wise council.

Titus 2:3-5 encourages older believers to mentor younger ones, helping them to navigate relationships with godly wisdom.

Ellen.G.W adds and says in the book Adventist home that “The church has a duty to counsel and guide its members in matters of the heart. Those who are considering marriage should seek the counsel of mature Christians and the support of the church community.”

This counseling can be done through premarital counseling, mentorship programs or casual conversations with church members.

Support and Accountability

Another important role of the church community is providing support and accountability. Many are the times that we compromise due to our desire for certain worldly pleasures; it could for an opportunity, a girl friend, a wife, more money.

Having people that can remind you of your mission and advise you wisely ensures that you remain on track and don`t lose yourself to the world.

Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend”.

Proverbs 13:20 adds that “he that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Bible studies, small prayer groups and close Christian friends can encourage purity, integrity and God- honoring relationship advice. Such a community provides us with not only moral support but also encourages accountability.

Ellen.G.W, Messages to young people says “In the choice of friends, we should be careful to select those who will be a help to us in our Christian life. Our intimate companions should be those who are spiritually minded, who will give us good counsel, and whose example will help us to overcome.”

Christian community provides support through prayer for relationships, marriages and personal struggles. Many families, couples and individuals often rely on their church family for intercessory prayer and encouragement during challenging times.

Galatians 6:2 says” help to carry one another`s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ”

Very many times we face difficulties such as conflict, loss or doubt in our relationships the church is always there to offer comfort, guidance and prayers during these hardships, reinforcing the importance of faith in overcoming trials.

James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins one to another and pray for one another, so that we shall be healed.

Conclusion

Christian life is not easy and as Christians we should not walk around acting like as if we are perfect without any troubles. The bible tells us in John 16:33 that in this world you shall have tribulation. We need to understand that it is normal to struggle in life, because even Jesus struggled while he was upon this earth.

All we have to remember is that people are God`s hands and legs to provide for all the help we may need, God will not come down directly and help you, he will use someone.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the day of the lord is coming nearer.”

Through people God`s love is made perfect, the church community consists of us and made by God to ensure that we love, support, help and encourage one another until we reach the promised land. We should be open to getting help from our brothers and sisters in church any time we need it.

About the Author

Martha Tyra