Building Lasting Relationships Through God's Love

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of building relationships that last, rooted in biblical principles. We began by acknowledging the importance of a firm foundation, both in our personal lives and in our relationships. Just as a house requires a solid base to withstand storms, our relationships need a strong spiritual foundation to endure life's challenges. This foundation is built on our personal relationship with God, which then extends to our marriages and other relationships.

We delved into the well-known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, often associated with weddings, but originally intended as a corrective message to the church in Corinth. This passage outlines the characteristics of love—patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness, among others. These attributes are not just ideals to impose on others but are qualities we should strive to embody ourselves. The challenge is to turn the magnifying glass inward, focusing on personal growth and transformation rather than critiquing others.

We discussed the importance of patience, not as a passive waiting but as an active endurance through difficulties. Kindness was highlighted as a strength, not a weakness, and a reflection of the goodness stored in our hearts. We also addressed the dangers of envy and arrogance, which can breed bitterness and entitlement, eroding the fabric of our relationships.

The message emphasized the need for selflessness, urging us to serve one another as Christ serves the church. Love, we learned, is not easily provoked and does not keep a record of wrongs. Instead, it celebrates truth and bears all things, always hoping and believing the best in others.

Ultimately, the journey of love is not about perfection but about progress. It's about becoming more like God, who is love, and allowing His character to shape our interactions with others. As we draw closer to God, we naturally become more loving, impacting the world around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Foundation of Relationships: A strong spiritual foundation is essential for enduring relationships. Just as a house needs a solid base, our relationships require a personal relationship with God to withstand life's storms. This foundation is built on personal growth and spiritual intimacy. [38:56]

2. Mirror, Not Magnifying Glass: Instead of focusing on others' shortcomings, we should turn the magnifying glass inward. The hardest person to lead is ourselves, and true transformation begins with personal reflection and growth. [45:10]

3. Patience and Kindness: Love is patient and kind, reflecting God's character. Patience is not passive but an active endurance, while kindness is a strength that considers others' feelings and timing. These attributes are foundational to healthy relationships. [48:29]

4. Avoiding Envy and Arrogance: Envy and arrogance breed bitterness and entitlement, which can destroy relationships. Instead, we should celebrate others' successes and embrace humility, recognizing that our worth comes from God, not comparison. [54:39]

5. Selflessness and Service: Love is selfless, prioritizing others' needs above our own. In relationships, we are called to serve one another, reflecting Christ's sacrificial love. This selflessness fosters unity and strengthens the bond between individuals. [01:01:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating Sunday
- [02:00] - Upcoming Events
- [03:45] - Introduction to Blueprints Series
- [05:30] - Building a Firm Foundation
- [08:15] - The Importance of Intimacy
- [10:00] - Be What You Want to See
- [12:30] - Mirror Moments vs. Magnifying Glass
- [15:00] - Understanding 1 Corinthians 13
- [18:45] - Love is Patient and Kind
- [22:00] - Avoiding Envy and Arrogance
- [25:30] - Selflessness in Relationships
- [28:00] - Love Bears All Things
- [30:45] - Love Never Fails
- [33:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building Relationships That Last

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Ephesians 5:25-28

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the characteristics of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and how do they contrast with the behaviors Paul was addressing in the Corinthian church? [45:10]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of patience in relationships, and what analogy is used to explain its importance? [48:29]

3. According to the sermon, what are the dangers of envy and arrogance in relationships, and how can they be avoided? [54:39]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of selflessness in relationships, and how is this related to Christ's love for the church? [01:01:34]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "mirror, not magnifying glass" challenge individuals to focus on personal growth rather than critiquing others? [45:10]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that kindness is a reflection of God's character, and how can this understanding transform our interactions with others? [51:51]

3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of love "bearing all things" in the context of carrying the weight of relationships, and what practical advice is given for managing this responsibility? [01:06:56]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between love and unity, and how does this relate to the challenges faced by the Corinthian church? [45:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. How can strengthening this foundation impact your other relationships? What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your spiritual intimacy? [38:56]

2. Consider a recent situation where you were quick to judge someone else's shortcomings. How can you apply the "mirror, not magnifying glass" principle to focus on your own growth instead? [45:10]

3. Identify a relationship in your life where patience is needed. What practical actions can you take to demonstrate active endurance in this relationship? [48:29]

4. Think of a time when envy or arrogance affected your relationship with someone. How can you celebrate others' successes and embrace humility in your interactions this week? [54:39]

5. Reflect on a relationship where you can practice selflessness. What is one specific way you can serve this person, prioritizing their needs above your own? [01:01:34]

6. How can you incorporate kindness into your daily interactions, especially with those who may not always reciprocate it? What is one act of kindness you can commit to this week? [51:51]

7. In what ways can you foster unity in your community or church, and how can you contribute to a culture of love and support? What role can you play in promoting unity and avoiding division? [45:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Building a Spiritual Foundation for Relationships
A strong spiritual foundation is essential for enduring relationships. Just as a house needs a solid base, our relationships require a personal relationship with God to withstand life's storms. This foundation is built on personal growth and spiritual intimacy. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we create a stable base that influences all other relationships in our lives. This spiritual grounding helps us navigate challenges and fosters resilience, allowing us to support and uplift those we care about. [38:56]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to strengthen your personal relationship with God, thereby fortifying the foundation of your relationships with others?


Day 2: Self-Reflection Over Criticism
Instead of focusing on others' shortcomings, we should turn the magnifying glass inward. The hardest person to lead is ourselves, and true transformation begins with personal reflection and growth. By examining our own hearts and actions, we can identify areas for improvement and become more compassionate and understanding towards others. This self-awareness fosters healthier relationships, as we learn to lead by example and inspire change through our own transformation. [45:10]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you tend to criticize others? How can you shift your focus to self-improvement in that area today?


Day 3: The Strength of Patience and Kindness
Love is patient and kind, reflecting God's character. Patience is not passive but an active endurance, while kindness is a strength that considers others' feelings and timing. These attributes are foundational to healthy relationships, as they enable us to navigate conflicts and misunderstandings with grace and empathy. By embodying patience and kindness, we create an environment of trust and respect, allowing our relationships to flourish. [48:29]

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were impatient or unkind. How can you approach similar situations with patience and kindness in the future?


Day 4: Embracing Humility and Celebrating Others
Envy and arrogance breed bitterness and entitlement, which can destroy relationships. Instead, we should celebrate others' successes and embrace humility, recognizing that our worth comes from God, not comparison. By valuing others and their achievements, we foster a spirit of unity and encouragement, strengthening the bonds within our relationships. This mindset shift allows us to appreciate the unique gifts and contributions of those around us. [54:39]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you celebrate today? How can you express genuine appreciation for their achievements and contributions?


Day 5: The Power of Selflessness and Service
Love is selfless, prioritizing others' needs above our own. In relationships, we are called to serve one another, reflecting Christ's sacrificial love. This selflessness fosters unity and strengthens the bond between individuals, as we learn to put others first and support them in their journey. By serving others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create a community built on mutual care and respect. [01:01:34]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use your support today. What specific action can you take to serve them selflessly?

Quotes

"How dare I ask my future spouse, my spouse, to be selfless when I refuse to be myself? How dare I ask my future spouse, my spouse, to be selfless when I refuse to be. To be faithful when I refuse to be. To be loving when I won't be. To be able to change when I'm not willing to change myself. In fact, I'd say it like this. Be the one you're looking for is looking for." [00:37:48] (22 seconds)


"And so we start talking about all these topics and now we start going, how can they become everything that he talked about? How can they be everything the Bible said? How can they be everything that they're supposed to be? And we put our spouse, our significant other, our loved one, the one that we want to be with, whatever. We put them under this magnifying glass and now everything they do is magnified in our life." [00:38:56] (21 seconds)


"Because the hardest person, this is something I learned early in leadership, the hardest person you will ever lead in your life is you. It's not your spouse. It's not your kids. It's not your co-workers. It's not your employees. It's not anybody else. It's you. It's the person you stare at in the mirror every single day because we will individually... find a way to justify everything that we don't want to do and we will make it okay within ourselves." [00:39:29] (26 seconds)


"But what you can do is make sure that you are being that. It is very much a mirror moment to go, you need to be that. So go, what do I need to do to become those things? And here's why it's important, because your focus is not just impressing the opposite sex, it's honoring God with your life. It's love God, love others. It's why getting the foundation is first. It's why building intimacy with God, and building intimacy with your spouse at the same time matters." [00:41:49] (26 seconds)


"Love is patient. Galatians chapter 5 gives us an idea of what's called the fruits of the Spirit. The idea of those is the closer we grow with God, the more we become closer with the Spirit of God, and the more we become like Him. And one of those, in Galatians 5, is called patience. I joke all the time, that is the one where God's still trying to teach me how to show the fruit of patience. What does that mean? What does that look like? Here's what patience is. It's the ability to tolerate difficulty without giving up or giving in." [00:49:19] (33 seconds)


"Kindness is not weakness. Kindness is love. Kindness is not weakness. Kindness is not the blind agreement. Kindness is not any of that. Kindness is love. In fact, in Luke chapter 6, verse 45, here's what Jesus says. The good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth what is good. And the evil man, out of the evil treasure, brings forth what is evil. Now watch this. For his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart." [00:50:48] (33 seconds)


"Jealousy is the internal belief that I deserve someone else's blessing. That maybe when God was delivering the blessing, the dress got off. I was supposed to get that promotion. I was supposed to get that truck. I was supposed to get that vacation. I was supposed to get that notoriety. I was supposed to get that pat on the back. I was supposed to get this. I was supposed to get that. Not them. I worked my tail off my whole life. And they get to live my blessing. If it's not in your life, it wasn't meant for you. Jealousy and envy is also the breeding ground for bitterness." [00:53:29] (42 seconds)


"Entitlement is a virus that eats away at your affection, and eats away at relationships. Entitlement is I'm special. I deserve special treatment. I have been going to this church for 10 years. I don't have to serve. I have been serving for five years. I don't have to give, even though the Bible says to. I tithe time, not money, which is not in the Bible. Yeah, that one got quiet. I knew that was going to happen. I have special treatment. I, in my marriage, am on a throne, and she or he serve me. It's entitlement." [00:58:20] (45 seconds)


"Love is not selfish. When I have a selfish relationship, everything revolves around them serving me. It's my way, my thoughts, my abilities, my this, my that. My schedule dictates this, and my schedule that, and all these things. And Ephesians 5 actually lays out, go read it, what a husband and wife, how we are to serve. We are to serve each other. We are to serve, as husbands, we are to serve our wives as Christ served us." [01:01:34] (25 seconds)


"Love never stops believing and always hopes. Be someone in your marriage. Be someone in your friendships, in your life group, in your team, at work. Be someone that always believes God for the best and hopes for the most. Be someone that believes the biggest and the best. But here's what that takes. That takes seeing the best in others. So it means that if my mind is a pessimistic mindset, I'm always going to see what could happen, what may happen, what would happen, all that, and I'm going to see the worst." [01:09:10] (33 seconds)


"And the closer I draw to God, the more I spend time with Him, knowing His Word, knowing who He is, knowing what He's about, letting His Spirit work in my life, praying, worshiping, whoever. And the more I spend time with God, the more I become like Him. The more I pick up on His character and His habits. And if God is love, and this is what love is, I should become closer to all those things. And it doesn't mean it happens overnight. It's the journey that gets us there." [01:11:31] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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