Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "relations" often refers to the various types of interpersonal connections and associations among individuals, families, tribes, and nations. These relationships are foundational to the biblical narrative and are governed by divine principles and commandments. The Bible provides guidance on how to maintain healthy and godly relations, emphasizing love, respect, and obedience to God's laws.Family Relations Family is the primary unit of society in the biblical context, and the Scriptures provide extensive guidance on familial relationships. The Ten Commandments include directives for honoring one's parents: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). The family structure is further reinforced in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1). Marriage is a central theme in family relations, established by God in the creation narrative: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). The marital relationship is to reflect Christ's relationship with the Church, characterized by love and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-33). Community and Social Relations The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and social relations, advocating for justice, mercy, and humility in interactions with others. The prophet Micah encapsulates this in his exhortation: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). The New Testament expands on this by calling believers to love their neighbors as themselves, a commandment second only to loving God (Matthew 22:39). The early Christian community is depicted as living in harmony, sharing possessions, and supporting one another (Acts 2:44-47). International and Tribal Relations The Bible also addresses relations between different tribes and nations. The Israelites are often instructed on how to interact with surrounding nations, with a focus on maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy, God commands Israel to avoid adopting the practices of other nations (Deuteronomy 18:9). Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah speak to the relations between Israel and other nations, often highlighting God's sovereignty over all peoples and His plans for peace and justice. Isaiah prophesies a time when nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks" (Isaiah 2:4), envisioning a future of harmonious international relations under God's rule. Spiritual Relations Beyond physical and social connections, the Bible emphasizes spiritual relations, particularly the relationship between God and humanity. This relationship is central to the biblical message, with God desiring a covenant relationship with His people. The New Testament reveals this relationship through Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Believers are also called to maintain spiritual relations with one another, fostering unity in the body of Christ. Paul writes, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called" (Ephesians 4:4), underscoring the spiritual bond that unites Christians. In summary, the Bible provides comprehensive guidance on relations, emphasizing love, respect, and obedience to God's commandments as the foundation for all interactions. These principles are intended to foster harmony and reflect God's character in every aspect of life. Library The Second Epistle to the Corinthians Thesaurus Relation's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Relation's (2 Occurrences). Ruth 4:6 And the near relation said, I am not able to do the relation's part ... /r/relation's.htm - 7k Nearest (22 Occurrences) Relationship (4 Occurrences) Damaging (5 Occurrences) Watchmen (40 Occurrences) Relations (92 Occurrences) Relation (86 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Relation's (2 Occurrences)Ruth 4:6 Jeremiah 32:8 Subtopics Related Terms Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) |