1. Embracing your Strengths
Relational Strength

2. Last Week’s Challenge Isaiah 43:7
“Everyone who is called by My Name, Whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”
Technically it was two weeks ago. The lesson was over intellectual strength.
For that Challenge it was to exercise our intellectual strengths by memorizing this verse
Remind ourselves by thinking daily on promises we are all God’s creation and live for His glory.
“Everyone who is called by My Name, Whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”

3. This week’s memory verse: Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Yes you had TWO memory verses this week
What does this verse mean to you?
Countenance Synonyms: demeanor -> attitude
We assign memory verses to…
We want you to have God’s word in your heart
And it is important to remember for any troubles or trials come in your way

4. Relational Strength
A good friend is one who trusts, understands, gives space, and is willing to speak honestly into your life
Question: What makes an individual a good friend?
Proverbs 17:9
Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 18:24
Proverbs 27:6,9
Proverbs 27:10
Proverbs 17:9 – an individual that loves and does not gossip
Proverbs 17:17 – loves at all times
Proverbs 18:24 - friendly
Proverbs 27:6 – faithful
Proverbs 27:9 – ability to counsel/look out by heart
Proverbs 27:10 – do not abandon
According to these scriptures, what makes an individual a good friend?
A friend is someone who is there for you at all times and in all ways.
As well as willingness to speak truth and be there for support
And the willingness to forgive and love unconditionally

5. Friends are one of the greatest blessings and joys in life
We meet and develop friendships with people whom we relate to at those particular times
Friends are one of the greatest blessings and joys in life
Proverbs 12:26
Micah 7:5
1 Corinthians 15:33
Question: What does scripture give advice about making new friends?
A bad friend is not only emotionally but also spiritually damaging
Take caution from negative influences
Keep in mind on your knowledge on truths of the gospel = which is the importance to have a foundation in Christ
That your friends should too have the same values as you

6. “You’re the recipient of great things from God”
Mark 5:19
In BOTH blessings and trials of life, God has compassion for us
Look into your life and see God’s compassion during painful times
You’ll less likely to feel anger, jealousy, or resentment
In some situations it is hard to feel sympathy for a friend that is hurting when your own life is “bubbling with excitement”
Read Mark 5:19
Jesus did not let him [come], but [instead] He said to him, “Go home to your family and tell them all the great things that the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” (AMP)
In BOTH blessings and trials of life, God has compassion for us
Look into your life and see God’s compassion during painful times
Then you’ll less likely to feel anger, jealousy, or resentment

7. Words are weapons that can wound a friend deeply and permanently
Question: From these scriptures how important is power of words in relationships?
Proverbs 16:28
Ephesians 4:15
Hebrews 10:24
3 John 14
In Hebrews 4:12, God’s Words are “sharper than any two-edged sword… exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart”
Words are weapons that can wound a friend deeply and permanently
Also mentioned before (in question 1) Proverbs 27:6,9 to counsel by heart
Hebrews (AMP)

8. Imagine when you lived in a time period where there were no cell phones, online social networks, , blogs, games, and Korean dramas…
Question: If you had a chance to
talk face to face with others
rather than online would you
feel a deeper connection????
What I am trying to say is…
We all get easily distracted/caught up in our own lives
Back to when people spoke face to face you had a chance to fully communicate instead of hiding behind a screen
THE QUESTION IS FACE TO FACE
Internet is a blessing/ grateful for technology but not the same a an intimate relationship when talking face to face

9. “Communication age” accustomed us to communicate with people that we have little relationships with
As we spread ourselves thin relationally, even our deepest friendships can feel the strain
Exodus 33:11
Proverbs 17:17
Galatians 5:13
Question: What specific actions can you take to deepen the intimacy level of friendships to make them intentionally more significant?
As we take the time to speak face to face with friends, we serve them through love then will deepen our relationships based on vulnerability and honesty.
Feel important

10. Question: Why do you think God refers to these people as friends?
Matching Time
Question: Why do you think God refers to these people as friends?
2 Timothy 2:13
Another Question: What does this imply for us?
The Bible provides many stories about faithless friends, yet they are identified as “friends” not “enemies”
Match (Question 6)
-match verse with Act of Betrayal
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself” 2 Timothy 2:13
Even though we are unfaithful, He remains faithful (in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever)
We are still His friends, through grace, even when we sin against God.

11. Question: What must we do to be friends of God?
1 John 3:1a
John 15:14
Another Question: And how does that influence our human friendships?
To be friends with God we have Willingness to receive His love for us
And we must Respond by following His commands
He is gracious to us in our imperfection… He looks at us and sees perfection not failure

12. This week’s challenge:
Meet up with a Christian friend. Current friend or an old friend to catch up with. Identify an area in your relationship that you want to improve and find a different way of communicating. hi
Focus: God gave all of us to walk with each other in our spiritual journeys. But our friends can hurt us as well as heal, and it’s important to understand our relationships to avoid creating painful emotions for those we love.