Define Bonding Character Study – Ruth Signs and Symptoms Team Time Agenda

Page 22  The ability to establish an emotional attachment to another person on the deepest level  The ability to relate to another on the deepest level  When you bond with someone:  Share deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, feelings  No fear of rejection

 It is a basic human need  God is not alone: “Let us make man in our image”  We were created with a deep need to be in relationship  With God  With Others  Our perspective on ourselves will become better as this need is met

 “Righteousness”  Fulfilling the obligations of a relationship  “In a right relationship”  Not “doing the right thing”

 Starts from infancy  Infant, toddler, young child, friends, etc.  Built on consistently good relational experiences  Gradual increase in independence  Reliance on good memories  God does the same thing  “Remember…” throughout Bible

 Ruth 1:6-19  How were Ruth’s relationships (bonding)?  With God  With others  With herself

 Why couldn’t Ruth leave Naomi?  It wasn’t easy – foreign woman in Jewish culture  Who was she concerned about?  Who did she want to share her life with?  What were here priorities?

 Lack of bonding causes:  Perpetual hunger for a deep need  Isolation from others, God  Constant loneliness

 Signs & Symptoms if left in an isolated state:  Depression, despair  Feelings of meaninglessness  Emptiness  Feeling disconnected from the world around  For a complete list, see notes Caution: Signs and symptoms are severe, not just a bad day…

 Volunteer to share REBT sheet  In your teams, the goal is truth & grace  Take turns speaking and listening  If you need more time, work it out