Many of us have most likely heard our friends excitedly announce that they were “in a relationship” with someone. Relationships are important to us all because they greatly impact our quality of life. Knowing someone who cares deeply about us brings us joy and enriches our lives. Most people see these intimate bonds from an earthly perspective, but God, the one who created us and loves us very much, also wants a relationship with us.

The concept of having an ongoing relationship with God may be foreign to most people because the world doesn’t know Him at all. Knowing about God isn’t the same as knowing God. He sent His Son to show us how much He loves us, imperfections and all. “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8, NLT). God wants us to enjoy happy, healthy relationships with others; letting Him into our lives allows Him to bless all of those relationships.

Religion emphasizes how holy God is in comparison to how sinful man is; however, during His ministry, Jesus went out of His way to make friends with sinners, not the religious leaders of the day. He knew the people were hurting, and He felt deep compassion for them. We never have to be afraid to approach God; He will respond to us if we ask Him into our lives. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20, NLT). Close friends routinely break bread together in fellowship.

When we really get to know someone, they influence us and cause us to change. It may be in our attitudes or in the way we think about ourselves and others. There is no way we can stay the same when we get to know God by studying His Word. The deeper we dig into what He tells us about His unconditional love, the more we’re influenced by Him and persuaded by His favor toward us. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

A relationship with Jesus brings us joy and peace of mind. It strengthens us, and allows us to do things that others can’t. This is because He’s always at our side, even when trouble strikes. “…But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Knowing God definitely has its benefits.

God wants the best for us. Getting to know Him is a life-changing experience. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Accepting Christ as our Lord and personal Savior is the first step in the journey He wants us to experience. Life will never be the same when we start walking with Him.