It can be difficult to have good lifelong relationships with family, with co-workers, and even with friends. Many of our relationships end in quarrel or just dissolve in indifference. God shows us through the cross that His relationship to us is selfless, unconditionally loving, and full of mercy and grace. He commissions us to do the same with others.

In the apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, he taught them that they could experience the joy of right relationships through knowing Christ. This is the secret. We need Jesus to give us peace within, before we can have peace with others. We can experience the joy of right relationships with others through Christ.