3 The Cement Of Relationships Series

We explore making stronger relationships in all kinds of people groups.

First half of series – defining

Our Identity – who are you?

Defining relationships – The roles of those in the relationship – knowing strengths and weaknesses.

(on YouTube)

Second half of series: what relationships should be.

Behavior

Biblical principles

What makes for a good relationship?

When it comes to relationships, cementing the bond is crucial.

So today we ask: What holds a relationship together?

What cements and strengthens our relationships?

We will look at three “concrete” things today that will build good relationships.

Are you ready?

Today, we reflect on a passage in the bible that speaks volumes about the bonds (the cement) that hold relationships together.

So will you have open the book of Ruth, specifically Ruth 1:8-18.

In this, we witness a touching moment between Naomi and her daughters-in-law after the death of Naomi’s sons, their husbands.

Naomi, in her deep sorrow, urges her daughter-in-laws, Orpah and Ruth to return to their mother’s home.

She blesses them, hoping they find new husbands and have a good life once more.

Yet, in this moment of parting, we see the true strength of this relationship bond between Ruth and Naomi.

Orpah, though tearful, heeds Naomi’s advice and departs.

But Ruth clings to Naomi, uttering words of profound loyalty:

“Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.

• Where you go, I will go, and

• where you stay, I will stay.

• Your people will be my people and your God, my God” 1.

Ruth’s declaration reveals the cement of relationships.

What then is this cement that binds a relationship?

I offer you three bags of cement today.

SELFLESSNESS

Ruth’s loyalty begins during a time of famine and loss.

Naomi’s family crumbles in tragedy:

Her husband, Elimelech dies, leaving Naomi with her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion.

The sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah.

But tragedy strikes again as both sons die,

leaving Naomi without her husband and sons (Ruth 1:1-5).

Naomi says to her daughter in laws – “go back to your people. You have time to find new husbands so you will live a happy life”.

Orpah goes for it.

But Ruth! - Ruth cannot think of leaving.

She totally loves Naomi, and shows a great deal of selflessness in this relationship.

Again, Love is shown in actions.

First Naomi showed it by telling the only family she had left to leave – for their own good.

Secondly, Ruth had too strong a bond to leave Naomi.

She was showing selfless sacrifice.

A true relationship involves the cement of SELFLESSNESS - putting others’ needs above our own.

The truth is: If a relationship is more about you, then you aren’t using the right cement!

Want to see growth and success in a relationship?

Then we all need to use the cement of selflessness.

By Ruth making the choice to stay, she was not only thinking of herself, but also Naomi.

She greatly valued this relationship, and gave of herself to strengthen the relationship.

Being in a land that she didn’t call home, and with no income or food, Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is astounding:

“Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge.”

Her loyalty outdoes cultural boundaries and personal hardship.

Ruth’s commitment reflects God’s faithfulness to us.

I use similar words at the end of every service.

The Lord has PROMISED: I will go with you – wherever!”

This flows on to the next bag of the cement:

COMMITMENT

Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is amazing!

She was committing to stay with her – no matter what.

Having come from a people who didn’t fear God, Ruth even makes a commitment to the Lord.

This relationship has a big bag of cement called “Commitment”.

Good relationships are built by people who are committed to each other.

Last week I said how people drop “friends” at the click of button.

Real, deep, strong relationships have the cement of UNSELFISHNESS AND COMMITMENT.

Commitment involves effort -

Working together on the long term to build something strong.

The relationship is then prioritized

Commitment is the bedrock of strong, lasting relationships.

It's more than just staying together;

it's about actively choosing people and putting in the effort to nurture the bond you share.

Here's why commitment matters:

It brings Stability and Security:

it fosters a sense of safety and trust.

Knowing you are all in it for the long haul, allows you to relax and be vulnerable, creating a deeper connection.

Growth:

Through commitment, you create a space to grow together, which also means finding strength in the bond formed over time.

Commitment ensures you work THROUGH problems together, rather than walking away from them.

Yes, there’s always going to be periods of problems, conflict etc.