Navigating Relationships: A Journey with Jesus at the Center

Devotional

Day 1: The Dangers of Hidden Offense and Isolation

When we experience pain or disappointment in our relationships, it can be tempting to keep our struggles hidden, protecting our reputation or nursing our wounds in silence. Absalom’s story shows the tragic consequences of harboring offense and making decisions in isolation—his refusal to seek counsel or bring his vulnerability to his father led to bitterness, revenge, and ultimately, brokenness. Instead of isolating ourselves, we are called to bring our hurts into the light, seek wise counsel, and allow God to heal and guide us through the complexities of our relationships. [16:35]

2 Samuel 13:20-22 (ESV)
And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house. When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

Reflection: Is there a hurt or offense you’ve been keeping hidden from others or from God? What would it look like to bring it into the light and seek wise counsel or healing today?

Day 2: The Importance of Submitting to Godly Authority

Our relationships with leaders—whether parents, bosses, or spiritual mentors—can be complicated, especially when they disappoint us. Absalom’s inability to submit to his father David’s authority, and his choice to act out of offense, led to a cycle of rebellion and pain. True authority is not about control, but about honor and trust; when we remove ourselves from godly authority, we risk undermining not only our own growth but also the well-being of those around us. God calls us to recognize the value of coming under healthy leadership, learning from correction, and trusting Him above all. [17:57]

Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Reflection: Is there a leader in your life you’ve struggled to trust or submit to? How might God be inviting you to honor them and seek wisdom, even if they are imperfect?

Day 3: The Trap of Transactional Relationships

When we put ourselves at the center of our relational world, we inevitably drift toward transactionalism—measuring every relationship by what we get out of it. Absalom’s life illustrates how self-centeredness leads to manipulation, insecurity, and ultimately loneliness, as he sought validation from others rather than serving them. Jesus calls us to step out of the center and put Him there instead, cultivating relationships marked by generosity, humility, and genuine love. When Christ is at the center, our relationships become life-giving and enduring, not just convenient or self-serving. [30:33]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: In what relationship are you most tempted to focus on your own needs or wants? How can you intentionally put Jesus at the center and serve that person today?

Day 4: The Power of Inviting Jesus Into Our Relationships

No matter how complicated or broken our relationships may be, Jesus stands at the door, waiting to be invited in. Instead of praying for escape or a change of circumstances, we are encouraged to ask God to enter into the very heart of our struggles, bringing His presence, wisdom, and transforming love. When we invite Jesus into our marriages, families, friendships, and workplaces, He brings redemption, reconciliation, and purpose—turning even the most painful situations into opportunities for growth and healing. [32:30]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Reflection: Where in your relational life do you most need Jesus’ presence right now? Take a moment to invite Him in and ask for His guidance and peace.

Day 5: Rooting Our Lives in God’s Unconditional Love

Human relationships, as precious as they are, can never fully satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts. Only God’s agape—His unconditional, boundless love—can be the true foundation for our lives. When we are rooted and established in His love, we gain the strength to weather relational storms, extend grace to others, and experience a love that surpasses all knowledge. Letting God’s love be our anchor frees us from the endless search for affirmation and validation from others, and empowers us to love as He loves. [35:16]

Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV)
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to root your identity and relationships in God’s unconditional love today, rather than in the approval or affirmation of others?

Sermon Summary

Relationships are often complex, unpredictable, and filled with both joy and pain. As we begin this journey through 1 and 2 Samuel, we’re invited to examine the drama and depth of biblical relationships, not as distant stories, but as mirrors for our own lives. The narrative arc from Samuel to Solomon is filled with love, betrayal, tragedy, and redemption—reminding us that the Bible is not just a record of perfect people, but a guide for navigating the messiness of real life.

At the heart of this exploration is the idea of a “relational compass.” Just as a broken compass can leave a hiker lost, a misaligned relational compass can leave us wandering in the unpredictable terrain of relationships. This compass points to three essential types of relationships: those who lead us (north), those who walk alongside us (east and west), and those we are called to lead or disciple (south). Each direction brings its own challenges and responsibilities, and the health of our relationships in each area deeply affects the others.

Absalom’s story is a cautionary tale of what happens when the compass is off. His life was marked by tragedy, offense, isolation, and ultimately rebellion. Instead of seeking counsel and healing, he harbored pain and offense, leading to destructive choices. His relationship with his father David (his “north”) was fractured by unmet expectations and unspoken wounds. With his peers, he allowed bitterness to fester, leading to violence rather than reconciliation. And with those he was meant to influence, he sought validation and power rather than service and humility.

The root issue is revealed when we consider who is at the center of our relational compass. When self is at the center, relationships become transactional, driven by our own needs and insecurities. But when Jesus is at the center, relationships are transformed by unconditional love, humility, and a willingness to serve. The invitation is not to escape difficult relationships, but to invite Jesus into the very heart of them—trusting that his presence brings redemption, reconciliation, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. The Relational Compass: Every person is called to steward three types of relationships—those who lead us, those who walk alongside us, and those we are called to lead. When any of these are neglected or dysfunctional, it can throw our entire relational life off course. Regularly evaluating and nurturing each direction of the compass is essential for healthy, God-honoring relationships. [07:59]
2. The Danger of Hidden Offense: Absalom’s downfall began with a wound that was never brought into the light. Instead of seeking counsel or reconciliation, he allowed offense to fester in silence, which eventually erupted in destructive actions. Unaddressed pain in our relationships, especially with those closest to us, can become the seedbed for bitterness and brokenness if not surrendered to God. [16:35]
3. Authority vs. Control: There is a profound difference between submitting to godly authority and being controlled. Authority is given and operates out of honor, while control is taken and operates out of fear. When we misunderstand or reject healthy authority, we not only harm ourselves but also undermine the community God has placed us in. [21:29]
4. The Illusion of Self at the Center: When we place ourselves at the center of our relational world, every interaction becomes about what we can get rather than what we can give. This self-centeredness leads to transactional relationships, loneliness, and a constant search for validation. True relational health comes when Jesus is at the center, shaping our motives and actions with his unconditional love. [30:33]
5. Inviting Jesus In: The answer to relational complexity is not always escape, but invitation. Instead of praying for God to remove us from difficult situations, we are called to invite Jesus into the midst of them. His presence brings the possibility of redemption, reconciliation, and a love that surpasses human understanding—transforming even the most broken relationships. [33:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:02] - Introducing “It’s Complicated” and the Summer Focus
[07:59] - The Relational Compass Explained
[11:08] - The Weight and Privilege of Influence
[13:17] - Absalom’s Story: Tragedy and Offense
[16:35] - Absalom and David: The Fracture of Leadership
[17:57] - The Power and Pitfalls of Authority
[20:48] - Authority vs. Control
[21:29] - Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Dysfunction
[22:09] - Absalom and Amnon: The Cost of Hidden Offense
[24:29] - The Loneliness Epidemic and God’s Solution
[26:19] - Absalom’s Influence and the People
[29:13] - Projection of Power and Insecurity
[30:33] - Who’s at the Center? Self vs. Jesus
[31:57] - The Gift of Godly Friendships
[32:30] - Inviting Jesus into Our Relationships
[33:40] - Biblical Examples: Jonah and the Fiery Furnace
[35:16] - Rooted in God’s Love
[36:58] - Prayer and Commitment for the Journey

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In 2 Samuel 13, what was Absalom’s initial response to Tamar’s trauma, and how did he interact with his brother Amnon after the incident?
According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what is Solomon’s advice about how to handle life’s challenges and decisions?
In Ephesians 3:16-19, what kind of love does Paul pray that believers would be rooted in, and how is this love described?
The sermon described three types of relationships using the “relational compass.” What are the “north,” “east/west,” and “south” relationships?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Absalom chose to keep his pain and offense hidden instead of seeking help or reconciliation? What were the consequences of this choice for him and those around him?
The sermon draws a distinction between authority and control. How does misunderstanding this difference affect our relationships with leaders and those we lead?
According to the sermon, what happens when we put ourselves at the center of our relational compass instead of Jesus? How does this impact the way we relate to others?
Ephesians 3:16-19 talks about being “rooted and established in love.” What does it look like practically to have Jesus’ love at the center of our relationships, especially when things get messy or painful?

Application Questions

Think about your own “relational compass.” Who are the people in your life that lead you (north), walk alongside you (east/west), and those you influence or disciple (south)? Are any of these areas neglected or strained right now? What’s one step you could take to nurture a healthier relationship in one direction this week?
Is there a hidden offense or unresolved pain in any of your relationships—especially with family, friends, or leaders? What would it look like to bring that into the light, either by seeking wise counsel, having a hard conversation, or surrendering it to God?
Have you ever confused godly authority with control, either in how you relate to leaders or in how you lead others? How can you move toward honoring authority and leading with humility rather than fear or insecurity?
When you reflect on your relationships, do you notice a tendency to make them transactional—focused on what you get rather than what you give? What’s one practical way you can shift your focus to serving or loving unconditionally this week?
The sermon challenged us to invite Jesus into the middle of our most complicated or painful relationships, rather than just asking God to remove us from them. Is there a specific relationship or situation where you need to pray, “Jesus, get in here”? What would it look like to do that this week?
Ephesians 3:16-19 describes a love that “surpasses knowledge.” Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s love in a way that changed how you related to someone else? How might you open yourself up to that kind of love in your current relationships?
The story of Absalom is a warning about what happens when we let bitterness and isolation take root. What are some practical ways you can stay connected to community and avoid the trap of loneliness or self-centeredness?

Sermon Clips

Control is taken, but authority is given. Control operates out of fear. Authority operates out of honor. Control is gripped by a leader, but authority is held lightly. Control is self-proclaimed and we will see in Absalom's life ultimately what he accused his father of that was wrong, he actually ended up becoming. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy. [00:21:19] (28 seconds)

When you stop and think, that is a bit problematic, isn't it? You being the center of the universe is a bit of a problem. Because while you are in the center, you will always drift towards transactionalism in your relationships. You will always drift towards my feelings and my wants and what am I getting out of this friendship and what am I getting out of this relationship. You will always drift towards my needs and my wants and let's do what I want to do, me, myself and I. And what Absalom needed to do and what you and I need to do is get off the center and put Jesus in the middle. [00:30:28] (47 seconds)

``If Jesus is the center of your relationships, then you can cultivate meaningful, life-giving, I would even say some, lifelong relationships. [00:31:16] (16 seconds)

Jonah, you know Jonah and the whale? Did I get that right? I always say Noah and the whale because it's a band. Jonah, okay. Jonah, the Bible says that Jonah prayed from inside the fish. He didn't, and when you read the prayer, he's not saying get me out of here. He's saying God, get in here. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they walk with Jesus in the fire. The Bible says the people that threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fire, the fire was so hot that they burned up. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did the last bit themselves. They hopped the last bit into the fire. And then the king says, there's four in there. Who's the fourth one? It looks like the son of God. It is the son of God. Jesus, I need you in here. Don't get me out. [00:33:03] (50 seconds)

Redemption and reconciliation are the ingredients of the kingdom of God, not bitterness and unforgiveness, not offense and revenge and all of that that Absalom represented. No, no, no, redemption, reconciliation, purpose. [00:36:58] (22 seconds)

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