Introduction

Good morning! It is a joy to stand before you today, to share in the fellowship of God's love and to speak on a topic that touches the very core of our existence - relationships. We are, after all, relational beings, created by a relational God. We are not solitary creatures, but ones made for community, for connection, for companionship.

In the words of Charles Spurgeon, "Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." These words echo the truth of our interconnectedness, our need for one another, and the power that lies within the bonds we make.

Proverbs 12:26 says, "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." This verse speaks volumes about the importance of relationships in our lives and the influence they have on our spiritual journey.

We will be focusing on three main points today.

-Biblical Basis for Relationships. We'll look at what the Bible has to say about our interactions with one another, how we should treat each other, and the value God places on our relationships.

-Becoming Better through Godly Relationships. How can our relationships help us grow in our faith? How can they bring us closer to God, refine our character, and make us more Christ-like?

-Bringing God's Light into Our Relationships. How can we be a beacon of God's love in our relationships? How can we bring His light into the lives of others through our interactions with them?

Before we begin, let us bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to gather together in Your name. We ask that You open our hearts and minds as we delve into Your Word today. Guide our thoughts and discussions, and help us to apply Your teachings in our lives. We pray that You bless our relationships, and use them to draw us closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Let’s get started!

Biblical Basis for Relationships

The Bible is rich with guidance and wisdom when it comes to relationships. It provides us with a blueprint on how to interact with one another, how to treat each other, and the value God places on our relationships.

God’s Word teaches us that relationships are not just about us. They are about serving others, about showing God’s love to those around us. In the book of John, Jesus tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This is the foundation of all relationships, the love that we have for one another.

This love is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep, abiding commitment to the well-being of the other person. It is a love that is patient and kind, that does not envy or boast, that is not proud or rude or self-seeking. It is a love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. This is the kind of love that God has for us, and it is the kind of love that we are called to have for one another.

In addition to love, the Bible also teaches us about the importance of forgiveness in our relationships. In the book of Colossians, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for healthy relationships. It is a choice that we make, a decision to let go of the hurt and the anger and to move forward in love.

Another key aspect of relationships according to the Bible is the importance of honesty and truthfulness. In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Honesty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. When we are honest with each other, we create a safe space where we can be ourselves, where we can share our thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection.

Finally, the Bible teaches us about the importance of unity in our relationships. In the book of Romans, Paul writes, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Unity does not mean that we always agree with each other, but it does mean that we respect each other’s opinions, that we listen to each other, that we value each other. Unity is about working together, about supporting each other, about being there for each other.

The Bible provides us with a clear and comprehensive guide on how to build and maintain healthy relationships. It teaches us about the importance of love, forgiveness, honesty, and unity. It shows us that relationships are not just about us, but about serving others, about showing God’s love to those around us. And it reminds us that, in all things, we should strive to be more like Jesus, who is our ultimate example of what it means to love and to be in relationship with others.

Becoming Better through Godly Relationships

As we continue to reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs 12:26, we find ourselves considering the transformative power of godly relationships ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO