When living with Alagille Syndrome, or any other chronic illness or disability, we often focus on the physical treatments such as medications, surgeries, therapies, etc, and these are important. But there’s another kind of treatment that can bring deep healing to our hearts and minds: spiritual treatment. This isn’t about rules or rituals, it’s about building a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God, letting Him walk with you through the physical or emotional/mental pain.
What is Religion?
Religion is often understood as a structured system of beliefs, practices and rules used to express reverence for a divine power. In many contexts, religion involves rituals, doctrines, and a list of do’s and don’ts. While religion can offer guidance and community, it can sometimes create a perception that faith is all about following rules and fulfilling obligations.
“I didn’t go to religion to make me ‘happy.’ I always know a bottle of port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.” C.S. Lewis, theologian
The quote shows that religion, in the tradional sense, can feel heavy, strict and demanding.
What if Faith Was a Relationship?
A relationship is a meaningful connection between two or more people built on trust, communication and love. Think about the best relationships in your life – parent to child, mentor to mentee, friend to friend. These connections flourish through closeness, honesty and time spent together.
Now imagine your walk with God being just like that.
Jesus didn’t come to introduce religion. He came to offer a relationship. He said in John 15:15 (NLT), “I no longer call you slaves… Now you are my friends.”
When we view our faith as a relationship with God, everything changes. Obedience no longer feels like an obligation. Instead, it becomes a response to love. We listen, not because we’re afraid of punishment, but because we care deeply about the One we love.
“God is more interested in your relationship with Him than your performance for Him.” Rick Warren, pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life
Think About Your Best Friend
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what it’s like to have a best friend. You talk to them often – sometimes about serious things, other times just to laugh. You listen to their advice, share your thoughts and lean on them during hard times. You trust them. You enjoy their company.
This is exactly the kind of relationship God invites us into.
He is not just a distant figure in the sky. He is a loving Father, a close Companion, a Best Friend. He wants to walk through life with you, not stand over you with a whip and a list of rules. The closer we are to God, the more naturally we want to follow Him.
Just Talk to Him
The best about a relationship with God is how personal and accessible it is. You don’t need fancy words or formal prayers. You don’t always need to be in a church building. You can talk to God anytime, anywhere – just like you would talk to your closest friend.
There’s freedom, joy and peace in knowing that God is more interested in who you are than in what you do.
So next time you think of your faith, ask yourself this: Am I following rules or am I walking with Someone?
God didn’t create you for religion. He created you for relationship. Christianity is not a religion. It’s a relationship.
You don’t have to earn God’s love or approval. He already loves you (Romans 5:8). So go ahead – talk to Him today. Build the friendship of a lifetime.