The Key to Healthy Relationships

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Start Talking - Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

• Last week Pastor Jimmy spoke a powerful message about the power of unity. Take a moment and share anything that God has been showing or reminding you from that teaching.
• Pastors Todd and Julie shared that God created us for relationships. One way this is evident in today’s culture is through viewers' obsession with “reality'' TV shows because they tend to sensationalize relationship dynamics. Do you have a favorite reality TV show? If so, which one and why.

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

Read these Scriptures out loud:

Mark 6:1-5

• Reviewing the Scripture, what astonished the people about Jesus?
• Pastor Julie explains that dishonor means to treat someone as common and ordinary. Even though the people were amazed, they still assumed they knew everything about Jesus, and this changed the way they treated him. It also limited what they could receive from Him. What are some assumptions and actions that we do today that treat God as common and ordinary and limit His ability to work in our lives?

Ephesians 4:29

• Consider how your life would be different if everyone who spoke to you followed this biblical command. What words would you use to describe a life like that?
• Consider the impact you can have on those around you if YOU followed this biblical command. What obstacles might prevent you from living this out in your everyday life? How does not following this command disrupt the divine work of God?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

Pastors Todd and Julie uncover a lie we like to believe, that great relationships happen naturally. The truth is great relationships are unnatural. It takes work to put someone else’s needs above our own, to extend patience and grace, and to ask for forgiveness. The real difference maker in healthy relationships is honor.

1. Choose Honor

• Reflect on 1 Timothy 1:17. Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can bring more honor to your relationship with God. If comfortable, share your conviction for accountability.
• Honor is not a feeling we have, it is a commitment we make. Honor is a gift we bring to our relationships, even when someone is dishonorable. We can make the choice to give honor. What are some ways you can prepare to choose honor as you navigate a difficult relationship?

2. Speak Honor

• Proverbs 18:21 states, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Share a memorable time when someone’s words made all the difference and gave life to you.
• Pastor Julie recommends we consider if our words are making a deposit of God’s love and truth in someone's life or a withdrawal that leaves them worse. Is there a relationship you need to work on? How can you begin to speak honor into that relationship?

This Week’s Challenge:

• Read Romans 12:10. Pastor Todd’s challenge this week is: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”
• Are you up for the challenge? What might you do differently to go above and beyond in showing honor in your relationships?

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Pray for the person and the relationship that you need to work on.
• Review Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 10:11 and Romans 12:10 to align your heart with God’s heart on the importance of honor and the power of words.
• Check out the resources on responding to conflict and keeping Jesus at the center of your family here.

Keep Praising

“We Praise You” – Bethel Music

“Not Afraid” – Jesus Culture

“Same God” – Elevation Worship

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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