Life is All About Different Types of Relationships

Different types of relationships fill every aspect of our lives. We all have several relationships at work in our lives such as family, friends, co-workers, church, neighbors, associations/clubs and dating (of course) to name a few. Most of our relationships can be classified as an interpersonal relationship, meaning a relatively long-term association between two or more people.

While there are many dynamics at work in each of our lives, the most common types of relationships for the Christian single woman likely include a few of the following.

Relationship with Christ

As Christian women, our primary type of relationship should be a relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship with Christ is more than just acknowledging that He’s your Savior, but rather fellowshipping and communing with Him daily. Unfortunately, for many Christians this relationship is sometimes non-existent.

I know it was non-existent for me for many years, for no other reason than the simple fact that I was completely unaware of the concept that I could and should have a relationship with Christ. If you fall into that category don’t go another moment without knowing the joy of having a relationship with Christ.

Family Relationships

While all of our family lives may be different, the fact remains that there are likely people in your life (whether related or not) that you call family. These types of relationships can vary widely, but it is my sincere prayer that yours is filled with love.

Family goes beyond just your immediate family unit and extends to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends that are like family, you name it; they’re all important pieces of the family puzzle. While no family is perfect, family represents a connection that supersedes most other relationships.

Of course families are made up of imperfect people, so there are bound to be a few challenges. However, unlike the friends whom we choose, God Himself chose this group of people to be connected to you. Love them for all their intricacies and imperfections, and honor the gift of family that God has extended to you. Besides, family is your training ground for marriage.

Parent Child Relationship

The parent child relationship is a special type of relationship, as it is the very first relationship that an individual experiences. This type of relationship is so special in fact that I must classify them individually because a daughter’s relationship with her parents is different in many ways and for different reasons.

Note: No parent is perfect. Most parents were never taught how to properly parent so recognize this fact, love them anyway and trust God to fill the voids. He is all that you need and more.

Mother Daughter Relationship

The bond between a mother and daughter often make for a very special relationship. Though this type of relationship changes considerably as we grow from an admiring child to hmmm…let’s just say a know it all (likely ungrateful) teenager to a cherished friend. For most of us there is no one else in the world like mom.

If you’re like me you are forever grateful to her for all the sacrifices she has made for you and for all she has taught you. Unfortunately for many this relationship is strained for one reason or another, but I implore you if that is your story pray and ask God to help you make peace with your mother so that you can enjoy the special gift of a mother daughter relationship. Truly, it is a joy to treasure.

Father Daughter Relationship

The Father daughter relationship can be very special as well. This type of relationship is so critical to the emotional well-being of a young woman. I don’t think most men realize the significant impact of their role in their daughter’s life. A healthy relationship between a girl and her father has a positive impact on her emotional state and often helps her make better choices in her own dating relationships.

Conversely, the lack of a healthy father daughter relationship hinders many women from grasping the concept of God as a loving father because it’s something they’ve never experienced. For many women, a relationship with Christ seems unattainable because their relationship with their earthly father adversely affects the way they think about their Heavenly Father.

Sibling Relationships

Sibling relationships are important as well because these types of relationships are where most people develop social skills. These relationships are typically where we learn to how to interact, share, cooperate, negotiate as well as manage conflict with others.

Often influenced by the parent child relationship, sibling relationships can be influential and fulfilling well into adulthood. Although conflict sometimes exists between siblings, there is typically a strong bond of camaraderie. Of course, birth order and age spacing among other things come into play, but typically these types of relationships foster growth and social skills that are utilized throughout one’s life.

Friendships

Where would we be without a few good friends? Unlike family, we get to choose our friends so these types of relationships are typically distinctive bonds rooted in some special connection we share. Some are closer than others, but a real friend is someone you can hang out with all day long doing nothing, but have the time of your life. A relationship with a good friend can last the test of time.

Even if your friends sometimes let you down, you can be confident that you have a friend that knows you (the good, bad and ugly) and still desires to have a relationship with you. He is the One and Only Jesus Christ, the real BFF. He’s the best friend you could ever have and the only friend you can ALWAYS depend on.

Christian Relationships

Christian relationships, or church family as I like to call them, are also key types of relationships because they help nurture you Christian walk. Of course many of our Christian relationships include people we consider friends, but more importantly these are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Much like our biological siblings, we should treat them with special care. Just like your earthly parents don’t want you to argue and fight with your siblings, God our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to fight with our sisters and brothers in Christ. The Body of Christ is a group of imperfect people that God chooses to love, and He asks that we love each other.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35 NKJV

Work Relationships

Work relationships are interesting because although technically you did choose them, you didn’t know what you were getting when you made the decision. Nevertheless, good or bad, you must make these relationships work because you spend a lot of time with these individuals (sometimes more time than with your family).

Work relationships can be a real treat if you are blessed to have a group to which you have bonded. However, there is bound to be a few difficult ones in the bunch. Oftentimes when I find myself in (or someone shares) a difficult situation at work, I recognize that it is possible I was called to this assignment for such a time as this.

The workplace is a hotbed for ministry (though that should not be your primary purpose there). It is a high probability that you may be the only Jesus some of your co-workers may ever see, so be sure to handle situations in a way that brings glory and honor to His name and likely draw someone to Christ in the process.

Dating Relationships

And finally (or at least for this list), the dating relationship. While there are a multitude of relationships in our lives, it seems most singles tend to think only of dating at the mention of the term. This type of relationship has its ups and downs for many reasons.

Dating is a challenge for many of us, but it somehow seems to be necessary in order to be rescued from the pre-marital state. Nevertheless, if we are going to date we should ensure we are engaged in healthy dating relationships.

One critical fact to remember in Christian dating is that we must make wise choices. Know when to proceed and when to call things to a halt. Here are a few guidelines for Christian dating to help you along the way.

Relationships can be a joy or a challenge, but in any regard you can choose to enjoy them for all they are worth. No matter the type of relationship, it includes God’s creation (people) so recognize the value and cherish them accordingly.

You never know how God will use you to bless, reach, teach or learn from others so value your relationships; they are a gift from God.

“If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.” - I John 4:20-21 The Message

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