Connect

Mother’s Day was celebrated this weekend. Share a memory or tradition from a past Mother’s Day that was either fun or meaningful in some way. The memory can apply to any mother in your life.

Have you ever found yourself surprised by an argument or disagreement with someone close to you that started over something really petty like an abandoned dirty dish or misplaced toothpaste cap? Did that turn out to be the real issue, or was it actually something much deeper? Explain.

Engage

The Bible has a lot to say about relationships and relational living. Read through the following set of passages and discuss the questions provided about each.

Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Philippians 1:3
These are all passages of introduction and greeting from Paul to his readers abroad. What is the common theme that each share?

Matthew 18:15-17
In relationships, conflict is bound to happen… even in a church. Discuss how Jesus explains working through conflict in this passage. What is the order of events? In verse 15, who should be present to discuss matters? Why do you think that is an important first step?

Ephesians 4:29
What is the subject of this passage? Why do you suppose that Paul had these words for his audience? Do you think this passage is still relevant today? Explain.

Colossians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 13:5
According to verse 13, what are you to do if you have a grievance against someone? Why should you do this? What does it mean by “no record of wrongs” in verse 5?

Apply

In his message, Scott talked about what he called the “10 Commandments of Marriage in the New Normal.” These are not the actual 10 Commandments from the Bible, but rather principles taken from the Bible and applied to close relationships or marriages. Here they are summarized below in King James English for dramatic effect.

1) Thou shalt be grateful for one another
2) Thou shalt expect problems
3) Thou shalt not let a 2 (problem) become a 10 (problem)
4) Thou shalt not criticize
5) Thou shalt say I’m sorry
6) Thou shalt say I forgive you
7) Thou shalt pray together
8) Thou shalt not compare thy marriage with thy neighbor
9) Thou shalt get help when you get stuck
10) Thou shalt keep Jesus at the center

Take some time to discuss these “commandments” with each other. Which of these do you already practice in your close relationships or marriages? What has been the impact? Of these that you do not already practice, which one(s) do you think would have the biggest impact if you started applying them right away? Explain.

Scott started this list with gratitude. In his message he shared a story about a note of gratitude he received from his wife Nina, and what a warm impact it made on him personally. Have you ever received something like this from someone close to you? Describe the impact it had on you. Is there someone in your life right now that needs to know how much you appreciate them? Challenge yourself to write that note of gratitude.

The list ends with keeping Jesus at the center of your relationship. According to Scott, and the passages read previously, how does keeping Jesus at the center of your relationship make a positive impact? What are some practical things you can do to bring Jesus into your relationship?

Pray together
Take some time as a group to pray for each other and for the deep relationships you have in your lives.