When Relationships Break Down

Where does relational breakdown begin? It is with God. When relationship with God starts to fracture, all other relationships are impacted. Keep Reading...

Genesis 3:6-7 NLT - "The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves." 

The first break down in human relationship came when Adam did not care to protect his wife against the attack of the enemy. Man's passivity in the face of wickedness led to the decay and ultimate death of relationships. Man was called to rule over creation. He abdicated that authority, and allowed a serpent to seize control.

This relational breakdown is first seen by a lack of trust between Adam and Eve. They are suddenly covering their nakedness, afraid of being exposed and vulnerable. When Adam and Eve followed through on their urge not to trust God, this lack of trust immediately translated into a lack of trust in each other. Human relationship problems always have their source in rebellion against God.

How to fix your relational breakdowns in your life? First, make sure there is no rebellion in your heart or actions against God. When both parties are reconciled with God, then and only then can their relationship work.

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7 NLT

In other words, walk naked and exposed (walk in the light) before God - humbly acknowledge what he sees. Confess your sins. Then you will know true fellowship with people, and you will know true peace with God. Only Jesus provides a way back from relational breakdown. Humbling yourself before the cross of Jesus provides the pathway for relational healing.