4 Relationship Recipe Series

So we made it!

The last in our series on relationships.

I wonder how you found it.

Has it made a difference to your relationships?

Because, in studying God’s Word about any subject, it should impact how we live.

Today, I offer a recipe.

In a recipe there are things you need to add..

They are the basic ingredients that you just cannot leave out if it’s going to work out, right?

There are also things that you CAN add to a recipe, and they may seem good.

They might taste good for the first bite; but you know that keeping those things in your recipe will result in an unhealthy diet.

Likewise, in relationships there are essential ingredients that should never be left out;

and there are some things that can be and are often added; but in truth, they are bad for a healthy relationship, right?

Today I want to talk about ingredients.

We’ve already talked about some of the good ones in this series – and I’ll add some more;

but I will also use Paul’s letter to the Corinthians to point out some of the ingredients that really should stay out of any relationship.

Does that sound ok?

Firstly – context.

This was not written for a wedding!

These words were written to a church - a group of people who were in a relationship together.

To be honest, it was a messy relationship.

So Paul was giving them a recipe to help them love each other and be cemented together.

He starts by talking about their Strengths and weaknesses (as we did in this series) -

The gifts they have or haven’t.

Some were making an issue of people’s strengths and weaknesses -

What they were good at and not so good at.

Paul teaches on gifts!

Everyone being different.

There is no “he is better than her”, or “my gift is of more value than yours”

Paul says in verse 1-3 that gifts are pointless if you don’t use them in love.

That’s true of ANY relationship.

So, let’s look at this relationship recipe.

And the main point of this chapter is to Reinforce what I keep saying lately:

Love is more than words.

Love is shown with strong evidence.

Love is shown with actions.

What are the actions of love?

THAT’s what is being written about here.

Let’s do this.

Let’s look at the ingredients to ensure they are in, and check that certain ingredients get kept OUT!

Love is patient (v4):

Being patient with others is a valuable skill that can improve relationships and overall well-being.

You want some practical tips to help you cultivate patience?

Start Small:

o Patience is a journey, and we can begin by taking small steps.

o Learn to count to ten!! – really (you know what I mean).

o Make a conscious effort to WAIT! - To hold back.

Rushing often leads to impatience.

o Over time, you’ll build patience.

Know Your Triggers:

o Identify situations, places, or people that trigger impatience.

o Recognize why you get impatient with people.

o Knowing your triggers allows you to respond more calmly and proactively.

Practice Acceptance:

o Understand that not everything is within your control.

o Accept people are not like you! –

that’s by God’s design.

It will take time and effort, but patience is an essential ingredient in a loving relationship.

Love is kind (v4):

Being kind is an essential ingredient to loving relationships.

Kindness is a wonderful way to make the world a better place.

What can be done to develop kindness?

1. Allow others to go first

2. Actively show kindness to someone who is aggressive in the relationship.

3. Give a small “I was thinking of you” gift

4. Let the others speak and share their opinions.

5. Say “Thank you”!!!!

kindness is about giving freely without expecting anything in return.

Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, making the world a warmer and more compassionate place.

So Kindness – definitely in the recipe

Here’s an ingredient that’s sometimes in a relationship recipe: Envy (v4).

In or out???

How can we keep envy out of our relationship?

1. Be grateful for what you have, rather than looking at what others have.

You might see the outside of a person and think they have more than you.

Truth is, you have no idea of people’s thoughts, emotions, mental health, experiences.

Often we wouldn’t want someone else’s life if we fully knew everything about it.

Be grateful for what you have!!!

God is blessing you.

• More than that - Celebrate Others' Success:

Instead of feeling envious of others' accomplishments, practice celebrating their successes.

This is a relationship.

Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses.

Let’s applaud the good things in people’s lives.