Most of us do not spend enough time thinking about relationships. We pass through the busyness of life, missing the fact that God created us for relationships. One of the main reasons we put this on the back burner is because relationships can be difficult. In your relationships with your spouse, best friends, or family members, conflict is bound to arise. We must be prepared to handle it when it comes. Throughout this small group study, we are going to talk about relationships and how to have greater relationships with our spouses, friends, family members, and acquaintances this year.
What are some signs that a relationship is healthy? What are some signs that a relationship is sick?
1. What relationship in your life has been the most significant? Why?
2. Read Ephesians 2:4-10. In your own words, define grace. How does understanding that God looks past our faults and offers forgiveness change your relationships?
Ephesians 2:4-10 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:4-10
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
3. Do you have a difficult time accepting grace? Why or why not?
4. Do you have a difficult time extending grace? Why or what not?
5. Which do you find more difficult: apologizing or showing forgiveness? Why?
6. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Who in your life do you need to forgive? How will you take steps to show that forgiveness this week?
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
7. Who do you possibly need to say, "I'm sorry, would you please forgive me?" to this week?
Let's take a moment to have a pulse check and check in on our relationships. Those who are married, how are you doing on a scale of 1 to 10 with your spouse? Those who are single, how are your relationships with those closest to you from 1 to 10? As you answer these questions, where do you see an opportunity for growth?
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1 Corinthians 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
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