Growing your relationship with Christ is a lifelong journey that requires continuous effort, faith, and commitment. It involves not only knowing about Jesus but also having a personal and intimate connection with Him. Thankfully, the Bible provides numerous verses and guidance on deepening our spiritual bond with Christ.
In this blog post, I will explore some vital biblical references and practical steps to help you grow closer to our Lord and Saviour.
Let’s get started!
What does it mean to have a relationship with Christ?
A personal relationship with Christ is like any other relationship we have on earth. It consists of fellowship, trust, commitment and love. Having a relationship with Christ doesn’t just mean to know of Him, but it requires being known by Him. The Hebrew word for “know” is yada which means “to intimately know, to be learned, to make self known”. When you develop a relationship with God you should intend to grow closer to Him, learn more about Him, allow His character to be revealed to you, and be vulnerable with Him. Getting to this point in your relationship with Christ requires more than attending church on a Sunday or every other big Christian celebration. We were all designed with the purpose of fellowshipping with God (1 Corinthians 1:9).
How to grow a personal relationship with Christ?
1. Seek God through prayer
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It is through prayer that we establish a connection with Him, express our needs, seek guidance, and grow in intimacy. Through prayer, you are able to be vulnerable with God and share your deepest thoughts, desires, fears and burdens. This is why in Philippians 4:6, Paul teaches us that we shouldn’t be anxious about anything, but our first response should be to pray about every situation we go through. Just as healthy relationships thrive on open and honest communication, prayer allows us to build an intimate connection with Christ. We see this in Matthew 6:6, when Jesus says that when we pray we should go to our room and shut the door behind us. Jesus was emphasising the importance of private and personal prayer, where we can truly open our hearts to God.
It is essential that we mature in our prayer life. Our prayer life should go beyond asking God for things, prayer should also be about seeking the guidance and wisdom of God. When faced with decisions, challenges, or uncertainties, prayer becomes a means to align our hearts and minds with Christ’s teachings. James 1:5 reassures us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” By seeking God’s guidance through prayer, we invite Him to shape our thoughts and actions according to His will.
Another powerful thing about seeking Christ through prayer is that it reflects our need for Him. Prayer humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on God. It acknowledges our limitations and recognises that we cannot navigate life’s challenges alone. In Psalm 86:1-2, the psalmist humbles himself before God by expressing his weakness and need of God. Through prayer, we express our reliance on God’s grace, mercy, and provision.
Make it a habit to spend quality time in prayer, pouring out your heart to God and listening to His still, small voice.
Related: How to Pray Effectively
2. Study and meditate on Scripture
The Bible is the living Word of God, and it provides us with guidance, wisdom, and encouragement for our spiritual journey with Jesus. To grow in your relationship with Jesus it takes more than just simply reading the Bible, you have to learn how to apply the Word to your life and this requires studying and meditating on the Word of God. We see this exemplified to us in Joshua 1:8, where we are told to keep God’s word close to our mouths so that we can obey it, and we do this through meditating on the Word of God day and night. The word “meditate” in the Bible means “to mutter, speak and ponder” to oneself the Word of God (i.e. to soliloquise). This means we should read the Word of God aloud and reflect on the Scripture. This is so our mind can connect with the Word and God which begins the process of applying meaning to the Scripture and believing in what the Word of God says. This will guide and shape your thoughts, desires, and actions, drawing you closer to Christ.
Scripture gives us insight into the character and nature of God. Through studying the Bible, we learn about His love, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and countless other attributes. As we meditate on these truths, we develop a deeper appreciation for who God is and His ways. As the psalmist says in Psalm 145:8, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Through scripture, we come to know God more intimately, building a foundation of trust and reverence. Also, let’s not forget that Scripture points itself to Jesus. The Bible is centred on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In John 5:39, Jesus Himself says, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” Through scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of Christ’s life, teachings, sacrifice, and resurrection. By studying and meditating on scripture, we unveil the richness of Christ’s redemptive plan, inviting a profound sense of awe, love, and gratitude for Him.
Studying and meditating on scripture is a transformative practice that deepens our relationship with Christ.
Related: How to Study the Bible
3. Build trust and dependence in God
Building trust and dependence in God is an essential aspect of growing our relationship with Christ. Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and it is no different in our relationship with God. The more we trust and depend on Him, the deeper our connection and intimacy with Christ becomes. Trusting in God means surrendering control and placing our lives, concerns, and desires into His hands. It involves acknowledging that His plans are wiser and better than ours. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” As we release control and rely on God’s guidance and sovereignty, our relationship with Christ deepens, and His faithfulness becomes evident.
You may come from a background of having trust issues which you might try and allow to seep into your relationship with Jesus. However, trusting in God plays a vital role in restoring and healing our brokenness. It involves allowing Him to work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and difficulties. As we lean on God during times of hardship or heartbreak, we develop a deeper sense of His faithfulness and find solace in His presence. Psalm 34:18 assures us that “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Trusting in His ability to heal and restore opens our hearts to His transformative work, strengthening our relationship with Christ.
Trust and dependence in God go hand in hand with growing in our faith. Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. As we step out in faith and trust in God’s promises, our relationship with Christ deepens. Trusting in His faithfulness and power allows us to move beyond our comfort zones and experience spiritual growth as we witness His faithfulness and provision.
As we cultivate trust in Him, our relationship with Christ blossoms, and we are transformed by His presence in our lives.
Related: How to Have Faith in God in Hard Times
4. Engage in fellowship with others
Active participation in a faith-based community or a local church provides an opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded believers who can inspire and uplift you on your journey. Christianity is not meant to be a solitary journey but a communal one. When we come together with like-minded believers, we create an environment that encourages spiritual growth, accountability, support, and deepens our relationship with Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” When we gather with fellow believers, we have the opportunity to uplift and inspire one another, sharing our struggles, victories, and testimonies. This encouragement and support foster an environment of growth and perseverance in our relationship with Christ.
Engaging in fellowship cultivates accountability in our spiritual walk. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Through relationships with other believers, we can hold each other accountable for our actions, attitudes, and overall commitment to Christ. Having brothers and sisters in Christ who challenge us to live according to God’s Word helps us grow in our faith, character, and integrity. Accountability strengthens our relationship with Christ as we strive to align our lives with His teachings. Additionally, fellowshipping provides an opportunity to learn from the experiences, insights, and wisdom of other believers. Different individuals possess unique perspectives and gifts that can enrich our understanding and knowledge of God. Ephesians 4:11-13 highlights the importance of the body of Christ and how we are called to build each other up in unity and maturity. Engaging in fellowship helps us gain new perspectives, deepen our understanding of biblical truths, and grow in our relationship with Christ.
As we enter a relationship with Jesus we can begin to feel isolated from the world as it is against the teachings of God. However, fellowshipping with other believers with the same faith, values and belief system enables us to build deep, meaningful relationships. When we join together in worship, study, and service, we develop bonds rooted in our mutual love for Christ. These relationships provide a sense of belonging, connectedness, and community that strengthens our faith and encourages us to grow together in Christ. Our relationship with Christ is enriched through the love and support found in those connections. Also, it’s these connections where you find intercession. James 5:16 emphasises the power of fervent prayer, and when we gather in fellowship, we can pray for one another’s needs, struggles, and spiritual growth. Participating in communal prayer deepens our connection to Christ as we witness the power of prayer, experience answered prayers, and share in the spiritual journey of fellow believers.
As we build deep relationships within the body of Christ, our relationship with Christ is enriched through the love and support found in those connections.
Growing your relationship with Christ is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, faith, and actively practising the guidance provided in the Bible. By seeking God through prayer, studying and meditating on His Word, building trust and dependence on God, and engaging in fellowship with others, you will experience a deeper connection with Christ. Remember, this journey is a personal one, and the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way. May you be encouraged to nurture your relationship with Christ, fueling the flames of faith and love that draw you ever closer to Him.
Stay blessed,
Divine L.
Hi, I am Divine L., your sister-in-F.A.I.T.H., who is passionate about discipling Christian girls to be a walking embodiment of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and to help young girls and woman become who God destined for them to become. It is a great blessing to welcome you to the F.A.I.T.H. sisterhood!