RE: Relationship Essentials | Week 4
Big Idea: We have an understanding of our family when we understand our role in God’s family
Getting Started:
Family looks different for everyone. You didn’t get to choose them, but you can’t get rid of them either, so you choose to love them. Some may have good relationships with their family, some may be distant from their family.
· What is your idea of family?
· What are some traits you can think of for your family? (Quiet, loud, spontaneous)
Digging In
The world’s version of family and God’s version of family are very different. The world is based on performance and God’s is based on grace. The beginning of a Grace-filled family is a renewed heart.
· What does it mean to have a renewed heart?
· How does God look at family differently than we look at family?
· What is the difference between loving someone for who they are and loving someone for what they do?
· When we love a family member for who they are instead of what they do, what changes?
Read Romans 8:14-17
These verses explain what it looks like to be a child of God, adopted into His family, and an heir of his.
· What does it take to be a part of God’s family?
· What does it look like to be an heir of God?
· How can our understanding of God’s family help us in how we love our own family?
Navigating family relationships is not always easy. There are some family members who continue to hurt you and there is a way to love them as well.
· How can we love a family member who hurts us well?
· What good would boundaries do within that relationship?
Read Matthew 3:17
This is the way God spoke about Jesus, his one and only son. He affirmed him and provided encouragement because of who he was, never for the miracles he performed.
· How does the way we speak about our family effect them?
· Are you affirming your family in the way God affirmed his son?
· What would happen if you began to?
Next Step
The family you have is not by coincidence. God has placed you in their lives to love them and affirm them. When you do this, without expecting it in return, it has the power to restore and rebuild. Choose to take time this week to affirm the relationships in your family, not because of what they do or can provide, but simply because of who they are.