Relationships Matter
January 16, 2020

I. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
A. God has forever united the way we love and serve one another and our love for Him. Our relationship health is directly connected to our spiritual health. This insight helps us in prioritizing the work it takes to have strong and healthy friendships. This of course includes our family.

Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’ Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 22:37-40

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” —John 15:12

“A new commandment I give to you that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:34-35

B. The “one another” He was directly speaking of were His disciples. They were a mixed group, from different backgrounds, families with all sorts of different personalities and interests. And Jesus’ command was simple: learn to love and serve one another, as this would be a sure sign of the Kingdom of God and help their love for God.

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you…If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” —John 13:14-17

C. One of our goals as a church is to be strong in godly friendships. We want to be a family of friends with God and each other. As we are engaged in genuine friendships with affection for one another our love and service to our region will be more effective. Our light will be brighter (Mt. 5:14, Prov. 4:18).

Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had. Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life. —Acts 2:42-47

II. KEYS TO BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Be kindly affectionate to one another with love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. —Romans 12:10-15

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good reputation in the sight of God and man. —Proverbs 3:3-4

A. Being kindly affectionate to one another is life-changing and powerful. I’m amazed with how much favor is drawn to someone simply because they are consistently kind. This is a choice.

1. Don’t miss a good opportunity to be kind. My wife is a pro of reminding me of this. Many times I’m in too much of a hurry and I rush by opportunities to show kindness to others. Take my wife’s advice: slow down and be kind. The proverb is true, you will find favor with God and people.

B. In honor, give preference to one another. Here are two simple ways to honor someone:
1. Our words: we use our words to speak blessing and affirm the goodness we see growing in them.

…but exhort (encourage) one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. —Hebrews 3:13

2. Our ears: we honor someone by listening to them and hearing their heart. Make eye contact, put down the phone, resist the urge to shift the story to you and engage them. Everyone wants to be known.

C. Distribute to the needs of the saints. Look for a way to fill a need. Be eager to do good works (Mt. 5:16, 6:1). Find the time. We can’t be too busy for this. This is a worthy investment and fruitful relationships are some of the reward. (Watch the kids of a married couple to give them a date night, help build a deck, offer your car or your money, give somebody something they like).

D. Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. As we take time to hear each other’s stories and stay up to date with current events we offer ourselves to mourn with each other during tough times and rejoice with each other during victorious times.

You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
—Dale Carnegie