We were created for relationship. That’s an interesting concept. The word “relation” just means there’s some sort of connection. But if two people are in a relationship, that denotes intentionality and love. In the beginning, God created man but made a point of stating that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). And God didn’t create another being just to simply exist with the man. He created a “helper” for him – someone to be in relationship with him. That’s because mankind was made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). They were to be a reflection of the loving relationship that exists within God himself as Father, Son, and Spirit.

What we see then is that the foundation of relationships is love and that love is expressed through helping one another. At Lake Tapps, we strive to love God by helping people follow Jesus. It’s called discipleship - intentionally walking with others to proclaim Jesus and teach with wisdom, so that all may become mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

Regardless of where we are in our journey with Jesus, there is the need of being in relationships where we are both being discipled and discipling others. In Family

Ministry here at LTCC, we have a Parent Equipping Class that disciples parents who then go and disciple their kids at home. We have teachers who have registered for one of the many Intentional Discipleship Bible studies that are being offered this fall who

will then go and disciple students in Rooted, Discovery Club and Children’s Church.

I’m thankful that as we are in relationship with one another, God promises to be in relationship with us. Like God gave Adam a helper, Jesus gives those of us who have put our faith in Him a Helper, His very Spirit, who is not only with us, but lives in us to love Him and love others the way He created us to.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. [John 14:15-17]

May all praise and glory be to Him.