A Biblical Lens on Relationships
- You were made for re3lationship - Genesis 2:18
- All relationships are difficult - Genesis 3 & 4
2 Dysfunctional Extremes in Relating
"I want to be safe" <<<<< >>>>> "I need you in order to live"
(Isolation/Independence) (Immersion/Co-dependence)
We teach people how to reat us - Galatians 6:7
Jesus & Relational Health - Matthew 22:34-40
2 Commands : 1) Love the Lord your God -> heart / soul / mind 2) Love your neighbor as yourself.
2 Principles : 1) Every relational sin is first vertical 2) Personal change must take place vertically before it ever takes place horizontally
Relational Principles from Paul, Peter, James & John
Paul - Ephesians 4:30-32
- There is an impact on your spiritual health by grieving the Holy Spirit.
- There is an impact on your relational health with others when your grieve the Holy Spirit.
Peter - 1 Peter 4:8-10
- love
- offer hospitality
- serve others
James - James 1:19
- quick to listen
- slow to speak
- slow to become angry
Seek first to understand, then be understood
John - 1 John 3:11-12; 23
Watch your actions Love one another
Application
Do I need to focus first on my relationship with Jesus in order to change my relationships with others?
Which of the relational principles is the Holy Spirit speaking to me about?