What is appropriate in our relationships?

Mark 12:29-31Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

All of our relationships should be governed by our love for God and our love for one another.

1 Corinthians 10:24Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:33I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

We should unselfishly and regularly think of others—both Christians and non-Christians.

Psalm 106:3There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.

2 Corinthians 7:15Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect.

3 John 1:6They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.

We should deal justly with one another. Our relationships should be full of loving deeds, respect, and deep concern for each other. God approves and honors loving service to others.

Ephesians 5:33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Marriage relationships should reflect love and respect. We should reinforce our loving words with loving respect and honor.

Romans 6:12-13Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 6:20God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

We honor God with appropriate physical relationships, as outlined in his Word.