Must Have RELATIONSHIPS Every Person Needs

The purpose of this series is for each of us to move closer to God by moving closer in relationship with the people in our lives – our family, church, friends, neighbors, etc. Through PURPOSEFUL CONNECTIVITY, we will all experience greater freedom in our families – home, church, business, friends, etc. and therefore, be better for God and better for our families.

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper [personal protector, life guard or caregiver]?" (Genesis 4:8-9 NKJV)

RELATIONSHIP TRUTHS “148 studies reveal: strong social relationships = 50% reduction in premature death” “Relationships are harder now because conversations become texting. Arguments become phone calls, and feelings are status updates.” “Sometimes you have to forget what’s gone, appreciate what still remains and look forward to what’s coming next.”

Elisha/Timothy/Mary (Protégé) They are our protégé; one under our care and protection They are someone we are intentionally helping to pull-up. We’re conscious of the example we set before them. We give them Godly wisdom, direction, counsel, and guidance. We are invested in their success. Seek out this relationship! Without it we’re missing our call from God to lead others to Him.

Elijah/Peter/Paul/Elizabeth (Mentor) This is our Yoda; our Jedi Knight that we learn from. They are more skillful in force than we are and we can acknowledge that privately and publicly. This is someone that we are intentionally reaching up to; following their ways. This someone that we embrace correction and direction from. This is someone that we adjust for and fit into their schedule and life. We must actively pursue this relationship. Without it we are missing out on TRUTH God has for us to bring us FREEDOM we’ve never experienced.

Joshua/Caleb/Barnabas (Encourager) They are a source of constant encouragement in our lives. They help us to see what God sees. They stir us to be all that God has said. They have a “can do” mentality. They see obstacles as opportunities. Cherish this relationship and hold onto it dearly! Without it, we will experience greater temptation to be discouraged, depressed, and defeated.

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father's house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. (1 Samuel 18:1-4 NKJV)   A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 NKJV)

Jonathan (Confidant) They are a true friend ordained by God. “One soul in two bodies.” They are committed to adding value to our lives every day. They celebrate when we celebrate and mourn when we mourn. They are open and transparent with us. They are a safe place for us where we can be open and transparent. When you have a relationship that looks like this, invest in it often for it is rare and an absolute gem. Without it we miss out on one of life’s most precious gifts – genuine friendship.

When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD. Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: "There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. "The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. "But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. (2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:3 NKJV)

"And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." So David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! "And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity." Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! (2 Samuel 12:4-7a NKJV)

Nathan (Perceiver) They point out things in us that are not recognizable to most. It may be an area of embarrassment. They help us to come back to earth; keep us grounded. They ask the hard and pointed questions; no nonsense. They help us to deal with the real stuff, the core issues. They press the issue in our life and can potentially get under our skin. Don’t avoid this relationship! Without it, we can easily get lost in our own folly or sinful behavior. If you deal with insecurity, this relationship will make you uncomfortable.

And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all, nor to teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it is right before God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way as to how they might punish them, because of the people. For all glorified God for that which was done. For the man on whom this miracle of healing occurred was more than forty years old. And being let go, they went to their own company and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them. (Acts 4:18-23 MKJV)

Jerusalem (City or Place of Peace) This is a safe and healthy place and a group that we can constantly draw from and contribute to. In this place and with this group we can always find encouragement. These people are dedicated to our good and success. Likewise, we are committed to the good and success of the entire group. The people of this group share a common goal of constantly moving closer to God. We need a large one – the church – and a small one – a small group. Honor this relationship and pray daily for its success and growth. Without it, it is easy to fall prey to doing life on an island all by ourselves and therefore, missing the divine connections/relationships God desires for us and the FREEDOMS that they bring.

Next Steps Are you new around Impact? Join today’s Growth Track Step FOUR & learn how to use your gifts and talents to MAKE a DIFFERENCE in the lives of others; 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Be a LEADER in helping others to CONNECT while making CONNECTIONS yourself. Learn how TODAY in our final Small Group Leadership Training for this semester from 11:15 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. in the KidScope Auditorium. If you’re not leading a Small Group, then get into a Group. Go to icsofl.com/groups to view the current Directory of Groups for this semester. Check out a couple and decide on one. There are men’s groups, women’s groups, student groups, and marriage & family groups meeting every week for 13 weeks; January 29th – April 29th.