God’s Invitation to the Most Remarkable Relationship

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:1-4

For years I had a dim view of what a relationship with God would look like. I knew I needed to be born again; but beyond that, I envisioned a very distant relationship—like one with a President or King. Someone I really couldn’t know but could still claim to be related to. Someone I would fear but never have closeness with.

Nothing could be further from the truth about what God’s Word teaches us about a relationship with Him!

In the opening words of 1 John, the apostle John does not begin with abstract ideas or religious rules. He begins with a Person—the living center of all relationships. He immediately directs our attention to Jesus Christ. This is not a distant deity or philosophical concept. The One Who “was from the beginning” stepped into our world so that ordinary people could hear Him, see Him, study Him closely, and even touch Him with their own hands. John writes as an eyewitness who saw, heard, and touched Jesus, the eternal Word of life in the flesh. 

Jesus, who existed with the Father and Spirit before the creation of this universe—was made real and tangible—so that we could enter into this relationship personally.

This is the foundation of God’s invitation for us. Jesus is not merely a teacher or Savior who stays far off! He entered into human history so we could enter into a relationship with Him. John’s testimony carries the full weight of his own personal experience; “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness.” This description of the incarnation of Jesus shatters any notion that God is unknowable or untouchable. Jesus was accessible in the most basic human ways—through sight, sound, and touch—so we could be in the same fellowship with Him.

Notice the purpose behind John’s statement: “that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.” 

The word “fellowship” here is rich with meaning. It speaks of sharing, partnership, and deep communion. The Holy Spirit inspired these words with the goal of bringing readers into a rich relationship with God. Our fellowship is not just with other believers; it is first and foremost “with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” The same eternal bond of love that has always existed within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—is now extended to us. Because God is love, and love requires relationship, He has always been in relationship. 

Through Christ, the invitation is extended to us.

This invitation is breathtaking in both its simplicity and depth. God does not ask us to earn our way into His presence by climbing a ladder of good works. We can’t because of the law of sin and death. Salvation is Christ’s invitation: “Come share in this life with Me.” The Bible makes it clear that no one is excluded from this offer:

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭

But to have this extraordinary opportunity, we must first be made alive in Christ through salvation.

According to the passage above, you accept God’s invitation to relationship so “that your joy may be full.” In sharing life with the Father, Spirit, and the Son—our joy is completed, and we have a deep, abiding fullness and satisfaction that flows from knowing we belong to God and He belongs to us. This relationship fills every empty space. 

In fact, when we enter into the rich relationship with God that we were created for, then the fruit of His Spirit becomes our daily experience.

My friend, are you experiencing immense love, joy, peace, wisdom, strength, and all of the amazing benefits of God’s presence? If not, accept His invitation today. The same Jesus who was heard, seen, and touched by John—longs for a relationship with you. He died so you could have it! If you are already born again, passionately seek to know God for who He says He is and step into this incredible life with the Trinity. You will see God manifest Himself in your daily walk, your thoughts, your conversations, trials, and pain. 

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who have always existed in a perfect relationship, invite every human who receives the gift of salvation—to share in it completely!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible invitation You have extended to me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I stand amazed that the eternal Word of life, who was with You from the beginning, came near enough for me to hear, see, and touch. Thank You for declaring this truth so that I might have fellowship—not only with other believers, but truly with You and with Your Son. Draw me deeper into this relationship today. Remove anything that keeps me at a distance from You. Fill my heart with the joy that comes from knowing You intimately. May my life reflect the reality of a life shared with You, and may others be drawn into the same fellowship through my witness. In the name of Jesus, who makes all relationships, including relationship with You—possible, I pray. Amen.