Restoring Us: Why Do Relationships Matter?

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | May 12, 2024
1) We were designed for healthy relationships.
2) Healthy relationships matter to Jesus.
3) Healthy relationships matter to the mission of Jesus.

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
— C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves, p. 169

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

John 13:34-35 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 17:20-21 (NIV)
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Romans 12:14-18 (NIV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways have you experienced the beauty (joys) of relationships in this life?
2. In what ways have you experienced the pain (wounds) of relationships in this life?
3. From your experience, what makes healthy relationships difficult to maintain? Share some ways you have experienced challenging relationships.
4. What are some reasons that healthy relationships with people are so important to God?
5. What areas of your character (heart) do you need to grow in order to be better at navigating healthy relationships?
6. What areas of your competency (skills) do you need to grow in order to be better at navigating healthy relationships?
7. What are some relationships in your life right now that need God’s grace to become more healthy? Explain. What might your next step to move toward greater health? What part do you need to play in order to bring more health?
8. Has your heart grown cold or indifferent toward some relationships in your life? Explain.
“Our maturity as a follow of Jesus can be seen and measured by our love for people and the health of relationships in our lives.” Agree or Disagree? Explain your answer?

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Notes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2024.05.12.pdf