5 Days – An Introduction To Reading The BibleSample

How to Keep Your Relationships Right  

The apostle James isolates three problems facing the church and society. First, there is division: ‘fights and quarrels’ (vv. 1–2). Second, there is the problem of dissatisfied lives (v. 2). Third, we suffer from a lack of spiritual power due to neglect of prayer (v. 3). The root of these problems is a breakdown of relationships. In this passage, James urges us to get our relationships right. 

1. Right relationship with God (vv. 4–6) 

James sees the Christian’s relationship with God as akin to marriage, so that being ‘a friend of the world’ is the equivalent of adultery. The true purpose of your life is not to satisfy yourself physically or materially, nor to seek your identity in so-called success and worldly position. Those who seek satisfaction in these areas will never be satisfied, because only a friendship with God can satisfy. 

2. Right relationship with evil (vv. 7–10) 

You are called to fight the devil tooth and nail. The devil wants to draw us away from this love relationship with God. The battle is great, but as you resist him, he flees (v. 7). 

You are called to hate sin (vv. 8–9), to wash your hands and to purify your heart. It is no good thinking you can live a holy life and hang on to just a little bit of sin. ‘Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field . . . Get down on your knees before the Master.’ And God does not leave us there. Getting down on our knees is the way to get back on our feet! (vv. 8b–10, The Message). 

3. Right relationships with each other (vv. 11–12) 

You also want to be at peace with your brothers and sisters. James says, ‘Do not slander one another’ (v. 11). 

In speaking evil, we are failing to love our brothers and sisters. In a negative and critical environment, people shrivel up and die emotionally. The opposite is an atmosphere of love and encouragement that enables people to blossom. You demonstrate your love for God by the way you treat your brothers and sisters. 

Christianity is about relationships. As you put your relationships right, all the rest will follow. If you love God and love your neighbour, there is nothing that God will not do for you – you will discover the spiritual power available to you because God’s power is unlimited.