We never consciously set out to have a theme for this edition of Triple Helix, much less one about relationships. But that's how the material – commissioned and contributed spontaneously – came in.

We've considered whether QOF's box-ticking damages the doctor-patient relationship, what really matters in parentprofessional relationships when a baby is dying, teacher-studentpatient interactions in education, doctors supporting students, shorter term service across the world, the stress of interruptions, social networking, and 'meeting Dr Right'. What ties these together but relationships?

A lawyer once asked Jesus: 'Of all the commandments, which is the most important?' and he replied: 'The most important one…is this: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”. The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself”. There is no commandment greater than these.' (1)

It is sometimes said that the symbolism of the cross recognises these love relationships – the upright the one which puts us back in touch with a loving God; and the horizontal arms represent love extended to our fellow humans.

The apostle Peter tells us that 'love covers over a multitude of sins' 2. Perhaps we should substitute 'love' for 'kindness' in the question quoted in Eutychus: 'Could kindness heal the NHS?'