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?