Closer
Stop Assuming the Worst
So often we find ourselves upset with somebody because of unspoken cues we noticed and then we tell ourselves a story about that person’s motives and beliefs. Pretty soon these assumptions drive an unnecessary wedge in our relationships. In the book of Joshua we see a situation just like this almost start a civil war between the tribes of Israel. In this message we take a look at how they resolved the conflict and the pattern we should follow. Message…
Relational Boundaries
Every relationship is has a moment where one person offends or hurts another. The question is, how do people move forward after the relationship is damaged? Often people ignore the hurt and let it fester, lash out with revenge, or go and tell the other person they are owed an apology. But the Bible tells us that we have to choose a different option: forgiveness. And we are supposed to forgive regardless how how grievous the sin, how many times…
Offense and Forgiveness
Every relationship is has a moment where one person offends or hurts another. The question is, how do people move forward after the relationship is damaged? Often people ignore the hurt and let it fester, lash out with revenge, or go and tell the other person they are owed an apology. But the Bible tells us that we have to choose a different option: forgiveness. And we are supposed to forgive regardless how how grievous the sin, how many times…
Be Nice
A first step in strengthening relationships is simple kindness. Everyone knows that, but few actually live it out every day, towards every person. Instead we pick and choose who to love and who to loathe. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves and we don’t get to pick who our neighbor is. Message Do you know the secret of getting people to like you? Be nice to them! This sounds simple, but do you realize how all-encompassing…
Open to Others
It’s one thing to maintain the relationships you already have, but another to live with an open heart ready to to extend kindness and friendship to strangers in your midst. Welcoming the stranger is better known as hospitality, and it is a skill we all need a refresher on. Throughout history Christians have been known as the most hospitable people and we need to reclaim that reputation in a world filled with lonely people. Message How do we become closer…
Wired for Relationship
While we might like to think we can live as an island or connect with God without being a part of a church, the truth is, we can’t. We were wired for connection by our Maker, because he is a relational God and so he made us for relationship. Message When people talk about being in relationships, we often jump to thoughts of romance, but everyone has a lot more non-romantic than romantic relationships. The question is, are all those…