How To Have A Relationship With Jesus

A relationship with Jesus Christ is the most transformative and life-changing connection you can have. It’s not just about following a set of rules or performing religious duties — it’s about walking daily with Jesus, knowing Him personally, and experiencing His love and guidance in every area of your life. If you’re wondering how to begin or deepen your relationship with Jesus, I want to walk you through the foundational steps to grow in faith and intimacy with Him.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, Jesus invites you to draw near to Him. In James 4:8, it says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” This verse is a beautiful reminder that God is always ready and waiting to welcome us into a closer relationship with Him. But how exactly do we do that? Let’s dive into some key steps to help you build a meaningful relationship with Jesus.

1. Accept Jesus as Your Savior

The first step in having a relationship with Jesus is to accept Him as your Savior. This means acknowledging that you need Him and recognizing that through His death and resurrection, He has provided forgiveness for your sins and eternal life with God. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

A relationship with Jesus starts with faith in Him. This is not something we can earn or achieve on our own — it’s a gift that we receive by believing that Jesus is the Son of God and trusting in His sacrifice for our sins. If you’ve never made this decision before, simply pray to Jesus, acknowledging your need for Him and asking Him into your heart. A prayer like this can begin your journey:

"Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. Please come into my life, be my Savior, and guide me in my relationship with You. Thank You for loving me and dying for my sins. Amen."

2. Spend Time in Prayer

A relationship is built on communication, and the most essential way to communicate with Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God — sharing your thoughts, your heart, your worries, and your gratitude. Jesus longs for us to come to Him in prayer, sharing our joys, our fears, and everything in between.

In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You can start by simply talking to Him like you would a close friend. Share your heart openly, listen for His guidance, and trust that He hears you. Prayer is also a way to build intimacy with Jesus and grow in your awareness of His presence.

3. Read the Bible

The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us today. It is His Word, given to us to teach, encourage, and guide us. Jesus is revealed in the pages of the Bible, and the more you read and study Scripture, the deeper your relationship with Him will grow. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

You can start by reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which tell the story of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. These books are rich with Jesus’ words and actions and will help you understand who He is and how He wants you to live. Take time to read and reflect on the Bible daily, allowing God to speak to your heart through His Word.

Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As you spend time in the Bible, you’ll find that it provides direction for your life and brings clarity to your decisions and circumstances.

4. Obey Jesus’ Commands and Live According to His Will

A relationship with Jesus isn’t just about saying the right prayers or reading the Bible — it’s about living in a way that reflects your love and trust in Him. Jesus calls us to follow Him and obey His commands. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

As you grow in your relationship with Jesus, He will reveal areas in your life where He wants you to change, grow, and serve Him. This could mean forgiving someone who has wronged you, showing kindness to others, or living with honesty and integrity. It’s important to be open to His guidance and strive to live according to His teachings.

Remember, we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes, but Jesus offers grace. When we fall short, we can always come to Him for forgiveness. As we strive to live out His commands, we also experience His love and mercy in a deeper way.

5. Worship and Praise Jesus

Worship is another powerful way to connect with Jesus. Worship is not just singing songs at church — it’s an attitude of gratitude and reverence for who Jesus is and what He has done for us. When we worship, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior and thank Him for His love and sacrifice.

In John 4:24, Jesus teaches that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Worship is an act of the heart, not just the lips. Whether it’s through music, quiet reflection, or expressing your thanks in everyday moments, worship draws you closer to Jesus and deepens your connection with Him.

6. Join a Community of Believers

A vital part of having a relationship with Jesus is being connected to other believers. The church is not just a place we attend on Sundays — it’s the body of Christ, a community of people who are on the same journey of faith. When you surround yourself with others who are passionate about Jesus, you’ll be encouraged, supported, and held accountable in your walk with Him.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Being part of a church community helps you grow in your relationship with Jesus. You can learn from others, serve together, and support each other through life’s ups and downs.

7. Allow Jesus to Transform Your Life

As you spend time with Jesus, reading His Word, praying, and obeying Him, you will begin to notice changes in your life. Jesus desires to transform us from the inside out, making us more like Him. This transformation happens as we surrender our lives to Him and allow His love and grace to shape who we are.

In Romans 12:2, we are told: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This process of transformation is ongoing. Each day, as we walk with Jesus, we are becoming more like Him. His love, His power, and His Spirit change us, making us more compassionate, kind, and Christ-like.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Relationship with Jesus

Having a relationship with Jesus is not a one-time event; it’s a lifelong journey of growing in faith, learning to love Him more deeply, and allowing Him to work in and through our lives. Jesus invites us to walk with Him every day, to trust Him, and to live in the fullness of His love.

If you’re just beginning your relationship with Jesus, know that He is ready and waiting for you. If you’ve been walking with Him for years, keep drawing near, keep learning, and keep growing. The most important thing is that Jesus wants a real, personal relationship with you — and He will never leave you.