You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. —Leviticus 19:17a, 18

Good relationships keep us healthier and happier.

Personal

are the most important factor in long-term health and happiness. (Genesis 2:18)

To be fully

, we need to be in relation to others.

Helper in the Bible is a

of mutuality and interdependence, not subordination. (Genesis 1:27)

Strong

reduce stress, incidences of depression and disease, and decrease recovery time.

Researchers found large

networks lower our risk of premature death more than exercise or dieting.

“Our friendships, our relationships don’t just take care of themselves.” —Robert Waldinger

The number one enemy of relationships is

.

“The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.” —Father Richard Rohr

In this sermon series we look at three important relationships: Parenting, Marriage, and

People.

Two truths about relationships:
1. Great relationships require

.
2. Strengthening relationships is something you

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do.

Parenting

Our first relationship is with our

. (Exodus 20:12-16)

“Everyone wants to save the world; no one wants to help Mom do the dishes.” —P.J. O’Rourke

Every action, no matter how

, moves the relationship and the future in a direction.

The average American opens their smart phone

times in a day.

Nearly

% of people surveyed reported conflict with family members over using their phone or tablet.

Just because you are home doesn’t mean you are

.

“The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal…” —C. S. Lewis

Parenting doesn’t

once they leave the house.

Parent toward healthy

.

Children who don’t differentiate are denied the possibility to

an adult relationship with their parents.

“You can’t reconnect with something you never disconnected from.” —Andy Stanley

Stages of Parenting

The Discipline and Training Years (0-12 years old)

You teach your children there are good and bad

to their actions. (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Your children do not have the same relationship with

that you have with them. (Colossians 3:21)

Don’t talk to your children as an equal or a friend; they need what only you can give as a

.

“Arguing is for peers. Arguing is for equals. You are neither. You are their parent.” —Andy Stanley

Your

is a gift and a reminder that they’re safe because they are not in charge.

The Coaching Years (12-18 years old)

In the coaching years, you

more than correct.

Coaches watch carefully, don’t get distracted, guide, and

players when they are overtired or injured.

The

is to keep them coming to you for guidance and support.

Don’t

out.

The Adult Years (18+)

Engage and connect as adults who

each other’s company!

When it comes to parenting:

when they call.

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when they share.

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when they need it.

Action Steps

Write a note about a recent event saying, “I felt so proud to be your parent when…”

Say out loud, “I noticed how much effort you put into… thank you.”