"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."
~Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

As I have been preparing this series on strengthening our relationships, I have discussed the various elements of our relationships that we need to focus on. I have emphasized the need to express your delight in others and how important it is let others know how much you love and cherish them. I have discussed loyalty as an important action in relationships. I have also talked about how we need to let our walls down in our friendships and be trusting and trustworthy in such relationships.

Additionally, we have examined Job's friends as an example of how not to behave when our friends are going through turmoil. And, we have examined Jonathan and David as an example of a very special relationship involving sacrifice, loyalty, and mutual adoration.

But, most importantly, I have reviewed how having God as part of your relationship will make it a very special, very strong relationship. And, similar to a cord of three strands, this relationship will not be easily broken.

Today, I want to re-examine the importance of God's involvement in our relationships. He is critical to the creation, maintenance, and growth of all of our relationships.

In terms of the creation of our relationships, God can send a special person to you. If you are currently looking for a special friendship, pray that the Lord will send such an individual into your life. Pray that the Lord will bless you with a friendship that will sharpen you, strengthen you, and support you. Someone who you can, not only receive blessing from, but one who you can also generously give to. Ask for someone who you can sharpen, strengthen, and support as well as receive these things from. God desires that we have fellowship with others. We were designed for close, intimate relationships. And, if you do not feel like you have such a relationship, then ask for it today.

If you already have such an individual in your life, then continue to thank God for him or her. And, continue to pray that the Lord protects your relationship and continues to nourish and enrich it. Pray that you will equally encourage and sharpen each other. And, ask for God's continued blessing on that special relationship.

In addition to maintaining your relationships, ask the Lord to show you ways that you can further grow in your relationship. Are there areas of your friendship that could be better? Are there things that you could work on to better support, strengthen, or sharpen the other individual? As you are growing in your relationships with others, ask the Lord to show you areas that you may be weak and need development. Then, when He reveals those areas to you, commit yourself to developing those areas so that you can be a better friend. All relationships, even great ones, can be strengthened. Ask the Lord to show you where you can develop. And, when He reveals it to you, focus on growing in those areas.

As we continue to review the elements of relationships that we must focus on, I want everyone to remember that the centerpiece of your relationship must be God. He should be central to the creation, maintenance, and growth of all relationships. In our marriages and in our friendships, we must have God as that third strand. For those of you who do have these special relationships with God as the third strand, you know how amazing they can be. And, if you do not have such a relationship, then continue to pray for the Lord's intervention in this area of your life. Because when He does send this special person to you, you will be absolutely amazed by the blessings that this gift from God brings.