So much of Scripture revolves around relationships: families, friendships, mentorships, communities, discipleship, reconciliation, betrayal, forgiveness.
Why do you think God so often chooses to work through people and relationships instead of only through direct intervention?
I think perhaps the simple answer to this complex question is this.
"Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18
I really believe that we are meant to be together. Look here in Ecclesiastic 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him–a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
This is also why we have the church. The Family of God. Can and does God call us in His Word, or work through direct intervention? However, I think God usually works through multiple people for this reason. United, we are stronger. Together we can stand better. Divided we fall.
Some may disagree, just my opinion.
Peter
we were created for relationships.
Relationships with God, with spouses, family, children, friends, enemies and God has also given us a role in salvation.
That of sharing the ’ good news ’
I think this is a representation of how God desires to interact with us—in an intimate way, through a personal relationship. I think it makes perfect sense that he also works this way among humans. We bear his image—the imago dei—and part of who he is is to be in relationship with his people, so we are wired the same way.
1 John 4:21 tells us:
“And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
It’s in our relationships with other people that our love for God is demonstrated. If you can’t love the person in front of you, then how is it possible to love God whom you can’t see? The Bible is full of verse that describe relationship and what it should look like in a born again Christian. That relationship originates first with our position in God and flows out to others. Our relationship with people is important to God and He uses our relationships to bless, teach us, and show our heart to ourselves. Sometimes it’s impossible to truly know your own heart until you are faced with something you’ve done.
The body of Christ is made up of people and we are called to unity in the Spirit. Unity is seen in our relationships. He loves us singularly and He loves us collectively. I’ve learned more about myself through friends and enemies alike than I care to know. Even so, I’m grateful for the window to my own soul.