What will our relationships be like in heaven? Will we recognize each other?

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

— Matthew 22:30

What will our relationships be like in heaven? Will we recognize each other?

Here is the operative truth: We will know more in heaven than we know on earth—not less. Our minds will be working in full capacity. There is a supernatural knowledge that God will give to us, and the encumbrances of sin will be removed. In heaven, things are different and similar, but certainly better.

So of course we will recognize one another. 

The Scripture gives no indication of a memory wipe that leaves us unable to recognize family and friends. Do you recognize people now? If you haven't seen someone for a long time and then happen to run into them, you may not even know it is the same person. But generally, we recognize one another. And this is great news for those of us who have been temporarily separated from loved ones. We will be reunited. This means that our absence from our loved ones is a comma, not a period.

But will we still be related? Will husbands and wives still be married? That is a question the Sadducees posed to Jesus. He told them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven" (Matthew 22:29–30).

God designed us with a desire for companionship. We are social people, although some are more so than others. Our desire for companionship has been given to us by God. So when we get to heaven, the Lord is the One we will worship, but we will interact with one another.

God is the focus of heaven. We will worship the Lord in heaven, and He is sufficient to meet all of our needs.

Greg Laurie