1 enjoying Relationships Series

1. We Were Made for This

I’m always excited to start a brand new series, and today we’re kicking off a series called “Enjoy Life.”

Doesn’t that sound good already?

Life can sometimes feel like a long to-do list, or

just something to survive, right?

But God wants us to enjoy the life He’s given us.

I’ll say that again slowly: God actually wants us to enjoy the life He’s given us.

One of the biggest ways we do that is through relationships.

[p] Now, some of us are naturally people people.

Others would rather hide behind a book with a cup of coffee and let the world get on without them.

I get that.

But whether we’re extroverted or introverted, there’s something deep inside all of us that longs for connection.

Even when we say we want space, we still want to be known, don’t we?

We’ve all experienced those moments —

whether it’s a family meal, a chat with a friend, or a laugh over something silly—when we go, “Yes. This is what life is about.”

Last week we were on holiday as a family – a big family!

9 adults, 3 toddlers, 2 dogs.

And many know, I don’t like crowds.

I’m very comfortable being on my own, and doing my own thing.

But what I came away with last week was, How lovely to spend valuable time, share all the moments – with those I love.

To sit and talk, play with the kids, be sick together!

Of course we also know that relationships have “other” moments.

Misunderstandings, fallouts, loneliness.

People are complicated.

Relationships can hurt.

So, let’s be honest.

Relationships are risky — but they’re worth it.

Because we were made for them.

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2. We Were Created for Relationships

(Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)

The writer of Ecclesiastes (bible) says this:

“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

There’s something beautiful and strong about people walking together through life.

You ever

• tried to carry a sofa by yourself?

• Or had a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere with no one to call?

• Or had some amazing news and no one to tell it to?

It’s just not the same on your own.

Even God said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.”

That was right at the beginning, before anything had gone wrong in the world.

So this isn’t about romance or marriage

- It’s about human design.

God wired us for relationship.

🔗 Object: Three-Stranded Rope (or just any rope or cord)

On their own, each strand is thin and breakable.

But when they’re woven together, they become strong.

That’s exactly what Ecclesiastes is getting at when it says, ‘a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’

When we try to do life alone, we’re like one strand —

it’s easier to snap under pressure.

But when we walk together in relationships, especially with God at the centre, we’re stronger.

We hold each other.

We help each other through.

That’s when we start to enjoy life the way God designed it.

THAT’s why church is amazing! . . . .

The truth is, we thrive when we walk through life together —

• celebrating wins,

• carrying burdens,

• telling jokes,

• helping each other up when we fall.

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3. The Heart of Relationship is Love

(John 15:12–13)

Jesus said something really simple, but incredibly powerful:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

He didn’t say,

“Love each other when you feel like it,” or

“Love each other if they deserve it.” He said:

“Love each other like I have loved you.”

That’s a big call.

Because Jesus’ love wasn’t about feelings —

it was about action.

It was

• choosing to serve.

• Choosing to forgive.

• Choosing to sacrifice.

And if we’re honest, sometimes our love can be a bit… selective.

Conditional.

Based on mood or

what the other person brings to the table.

But Jesus shows us a different way — a better way.

The joy in relationships comes when we give love freely,

not just try to get something back.

Imagine how different our friendships, marriages, families, and churches would be if we all loved like Jesus.

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4. How Do We Live This Out?

Paul gives us some practical wisdom on relationships in Romans 12. (v9-18)

Let me read a few verses and unpack them as we go:

“Love must be sincere…”

In other words, no fake smiles or small talk that doesn’t mean anything.

Be real with people.

Authentic love is what people are hungry for.

“Honour one another above yourselves…”

How good does it feel when someone genuinely celebrates you?