Summary
Our culture believes and promotes myths / lies in all areas of our relationships. If we believe them we are setting ourselves up for failure. We need to understand, embrace and practice biblical truths that will result in healthy reltionships, rather than living as our culture dictates.
Friendship
Myth: My relationships / friendships define me and my place in the world
Myth: I can be friends with anyone and it won’t affect me
Friendship is vitally important. We live in a culture in which loneliness is a epidemic levels, even though with modern technology we are potentially more connected than ever.
Friendship is highly valued througout scripture, e.g.
John 15:15 - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 11:3 - So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is ill.
Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get into trouble.
Also:
Acts 9:27
1 Samuel 18
Luke 1:39-45
Q. Who are your closest friends; are they positive influences in your life; are any of them toxic?
Single Status
Myth: My worth is based on my marital status
Genesis 2:18 - The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.
John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly
Colossians 2:9-10 - For in Christ all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have made complete
Q. If you are single or married how deeply is your sense of worth rooted in Christ?
Q. As a community, how inclusive are you? How could you be more so?
Marriage
Myth: When I get married everything will be alright
Myth: When we get married he / she will change
Myth: When I get married I will be complete; he / she will make me happy
Myth: Romantic love will last forever
Myth: Sex is an essential part of getting to know each other; try before you buy etc.
Myth: Good sex comes naturally. If we’re not having sex five times a week we’re not normal
Myth: Having a child will fix our marriage
Myth: My children are my highest priority
Proverbs 119:35 - Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found
John 15:2 - Love each other as I have loved you
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up I put away childish things.
Romans 12:1-2 - Present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice….
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will
Q. Have these or other myths about marriage affected you? Is God, or your marriage partner, your source of happiness, healing etc?
Q. What is God saying to you?
Q. What are you going to do about it?