Even if You are a Christian, You Need a Relationship with God
Being a Christian is more than attending church or following a set of rules—it’s about knowing God personally. Discover what it means to walk in relationship with Him.
The other day, while listening to a podcast, the presenter asked, “What does it mean to have a relationship with God?” I think many people are wondering about this. Is it about following a set of rules or going to church every Sunday? Trying to be a good person? These things may be part of a Christian’s life, but they don’t define what it means to truly know God.
I used to think that being a Christian was about doing the right things. If I prayed, read my Bible, and tried to do good, then I was okay. But I realised that Christianity is not about religion—it’s about a personal relationship with God. And that relationship changes everything.
So, what does it really mean to know God and follow Him?
A Relationship with God Is not a Religious Activity
Going to church or trying to be a good person are important, but they don’t make someone a Christian.
Just because you visit a garage doesn’t make you a car. The same is true when going to church. It doesn’t automatically mean you have a personal relationship with God. Christianity isn’t about checking off religious boxes—it’s about knowing and loving God personally.
A real relationship with God means including Him in your daily life. It means talking to Him in prayer, reading His Word to understand His heart, and trusting Him in every situation.
How to Develop a Relationship with God?
Having a relationship with God is not complicated. There’s no secret formula. It starts with accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
When we believe in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who begins to change our hearts from the inside out. Over time, we grow in faith by doing a few simple things:
Praying daily—talking to God about everything, just like you would with a close friend.
Reading the Bible—learning more about God’s character and His promises.
Joining a Bible-believing church: Surround yourself with other believers who encourage and strengthen your faith.
Trusting God in everyday life—relying on Him, even when things don’t make sense.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about consistently drawing closer to God, one step at a time.
Christianity Is Grace, Not Rules
We tend to think Christianity is about earning God’s approval by following a set of rules. But Jesus didn’t come to start a religion—He came to restore our relationship with God. The Pharisees were obsessed with following rules. They thought their strict religious practices made them right with God. But Jesus said to them, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:8).
We want to treat Christianity like a rulebook, wondering if we are doing enough to be accepted by God. The truth is, we don’t have to earn His love. He already loves us, and He sent Jesus to save us by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Responses to God’s Love
So, does this mean we can live however we want since we’re saved by grace? If we truly believe, we will desire to live holy lives out of love for God.
A child who deeply loves their parent doesn’t obey just because they have to; they obey because they trust that their parent wants the best for them. It’s the same with God. We obey Him because we love Him.
The Bible says, “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). This doesn’t mean we’ll never make mistakes, but it does mean that as we grow in our relationship with God, our desires begin to change. We want to live in a way that honours Him.
The Holy Spirit, our Helper
One of our biggest struggles is trying to be good in their own strength. Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you still mess up? It happens to all of us. But it is because we were never meant to do this alone.
When we put our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:19). He gives us the strength to resist sin, the wisdom to make good choices, and the power to live a life that reflects Christ.
Instead of trying to “fix” ourselves, we surrender to God and let His power work in us. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” The Christian life isn’t about striving—it’s about surrendering.
What is a Christian?
The word "Christian" meant "follower of Christ." So if you call yourself a Christian, it is more than simply attending church or living in a Christian-majority country.
It means:
Believing in Jesus Christ—trusting that His death and resurrection paid for our sins.
Following His teachings—not just hearing His words, but living by them.
Loving others: Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
A real Christian is someone who has been born again (John 3:3) and whose life is marked by love, faith, and obedience to God.
You Can Have a Relationship with God
God wants a relationship with you. He isn’t waiting for you to be “good enough.” He already loves you, and He’s inviting you to know Him personally.
Believe in Jesus, accept His gift of salvation, and invite Him into your life. Pray and read His Word.
Knowing God is the greatest joy in life. It’s about walking with your Creator, knowing His love, and growing in faith every single day.