Just like any human relationship, your relationship with Jesus takes time and effort. Think about the closest person in your life. It could be your dearest friend, your mom, your spouse, or hey maybe it’s your dog! How often do you talk to this person in your life? How often do you hang out and play with your fury friend? Chances are it’s a good chunk of your week. In order for these relationships to blossom and stay strong, not only do you NEED to stay connected but you WANT to stay connected with them.

Now, think about why you enjoy this person being in your life. This person encourages and supports you, tolerates your shortcomings, loves and accepts you unconditionally, and shows up no matter the circumstance. And you know what? You do the same for them. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century philosopher once said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Talk about wise words! That is the truest, yet simplest quote I’ve heard. In a friendship or relationship, you can’t expect this person to be there for you if you never show up for them. Do you ever see a healthy, long-lasting relationship that is one-sided? I sure can’t think of one.

But how do you treat your relationship with Jesus? The ultimate Friend. The ultimate Father. He knows you better than you know yourself. He doesn’t need anything from you and He doesn’t expect anything in return. He will always be there, even when you don’t want Him to.

Sounds like a friend you need in your life and you don’t deserve. But what do you have to offer in a relationship when God already has everything? YOU! Jesus doesn’t want a one-sided friendship- He desires to communicate with us, experience life with us, and simply be with us.

How is your relationship with Jesus? Do you spend time with God? Or do you cut Him out of your schedule? Are you excited when He speaks to you? Or do you ignore Him and go about your life? If your friends treated you the way you treat Jesus, would you hang out with them?

Do these questions prick your conscience? Mine too! Often, I wonder why my relationship with Jesus feels strained, only to realize I haven’t invested any time to just be with Him. I know how it feels to reach out to friends and be hurt when they never respond or choose to make other things the priority over our friendship- but I do the same thing with God!

Maybe you never even thought about how you were treating God, but, just like any good friend, God is not mad at you. He is waiting with open arms to accept you and be an active part of your life. Don’t settle for a one-sided relationship with Jesus. The more time you invest in Him, the more you will find that Jesus has so much waiting for you.