Heritage, history and relationship

The Christian experience is all about relationships.  God initiated His relationship with us from the first day of creation.  Throughout the biblical narrative, God declares His intention to be our God and we His people. (Ex. 6:7; Lev. 26:12; Ruth 1:16; 1 Sam. 15:30; 1 Chr. 11:2; Psa. 50:7; Is. 40:1; Jer. 7:23; 11:4; 30:22; Ezek. 36:28; Hos. 1:9; 4:6; Joel 2:26–27)
Later in the New Testament, as Paul is rolling through His list of friends he makes a great statement about some Christian friends.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. 

Heritage:  "They are noteworthy among the apostles"
History: "They were in Christ before I was"
Relationship:  "My fellow Jews, and fellow prisoners"

God uses relationships that we develop to show His glory, goodness and mercy.  Praise God!