All of us yearn for close relationships, relationships where we can be completely honest, totally open and fearlessly vulnerable.
We want relationships where we can share our successes and our failures, our strengths and our shortcomings.
We want to be connected to others in a way that frees us to reveal our doubts and our fears.
We want to feel close enough to another person to be who we really are and find empathy and confidentiality.
And the truth of the matter is this: These intimate, authentic relationships are exactly what God had in mind for us when He created us.
He created us for relationships and He wants us to experience them at their best. All of us long for such relationships,
but how often do we really experience them? Occasionally? Once in a lifetime? Never? (Bill Hybels)
THRIVING RELATIONSHIPS: WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT?
It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. (Genesis 2:18)
Everyone has a "built-in" need for relationships
Loneliness, isolation or conflict is never God’s intention for us!
Thriving relationships NEVER just happen they require hard work
When we have thriving relationships, it benefits us
THEREFORE: We really do need each other
THRIVING RELATIONSHIPS: HOW DO THEY HAPPEN FOR US?
1. Relationships thrive when we make others a priority!
Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.
If two lie down together, they will be warm, but a person alone will not be warm. An enemy might defeat one person, but two people together can defend themselves;
a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break.
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Contemporary English Version)
We help each other when we face challenges
We help each other when we have failed
We help each other when we feel discouraged
We help each other when we are opposed
2. Relationships thrive when we treat others properly!
Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them . . . Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other . . . When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out . . .
When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big . . . Never pay back evil for evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible. (Romans 12:9-10, 13, 15-18 – Living Bible)
I show love when I put others first
I show love when I meet others needs
I show love when I treat others right
3. Relationships thrive when we love others passionately!
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – The Message)
I accept you just as you are
I believe you are valuable
I care when you hurt
I desire the very best for you
I erase all your past offenses
Let’s Pray