Session 9: Relating to Others
Click on underlined videos to run them.
FOCUS VERSE: Matthew 22:37–40: 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.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
OBJECTIVE: To understand our roles and responsibilities in relationships so that we can grow together in Christ and express true unity.
FOCUS TRUTH: As disciples of Christ we will want to be part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer that we will be one. In learning to relate well to others, we need to assume responsibility for our own character and seek to meet the needs of others, rather than the other way round.
| 7:00 | Welcome/Announcements |
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| 7:15 | Prayer/Worship |
| 7:20 | [13:24] Video 1 |
| 7:35 | Discussion 1 |
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 says that one reason people do not respond to the Gospel is that Satan has blinded their minds, and Psalm 133 says that where there is unity, God brings blessing. How do these verses help you understand why Jesus prayed that we would be one?
- “If God’s people are not genuinely united we will only ever reach a tiny part of the harvest.” What are your thoughts on this statement?
- “When we are lukewarm in our relationship with God, we tend to overlook our own sin and see the sin of others.” Discuss this idea.
| 7:55 | [11:14] Video 2 |
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| 8:10 | Discussion 2 |
- Spend some time discussing the difference between our rights and responsibilities in relation to others. You may like to consider this in relation to specific people in your life, for example, spouse, child, parent, work colleague, church leader, or neighbor.
- “If we can learn to serve and love other people without expecting anything in return, it’s liberating. Instead of being constantly disappointed by others, we will be truly and pleasantly surprised when people serve and love us.” Do you agree with this? Why/why not?
- What would it mean practically for you to focus on your own character and on the needs of others?
| 8:30 | [14:34] Video 3 |
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| 8:45 | Reflection |
- Spend some time asking God for wisdom as to how best to relate to others in your life.
- First, consider who the main people in your life are.
- Then ask God for wisdom in how you can best relate to them. Is there a need to stop judging their character and instead offer loving discipline? Or to forgive them? How can you meet their needs?
| 9:00 | - End |
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