1. HRE 40 Unit 3 Relationships

2. The Christian Context In its most simple understanding, Christian teachings center on the topic of love. Love of God, Love thy neighbour, etc. DISCUSS: If the message is so simple, how does it become so convoluted?

3. Societal Pressure Our society often bombards us with pressure; Pressure to fit in, pressure to conform, pressure to do what feels good Christian teaching counters this pressure with its own urgency and challenges To love To forgive To think of others needs, and act in a way that advocates for those who cannot

4. Friends True friends often: Bring out the best in us Are loyal and honest view each other as equal and mutual – recognizing that each person is unique and is valued Are accepting of who we are Are available and generous

5. The Pressure Is it easy to forgive? Is it easy to love? Is it easy to put others needs ahead of yourself? Is it easy to bring out the best in someone who has irritated you? Is it easy to be loyal and honest? Is it easy to be accepting of others? Is it easy to be present to your friends and generous of yourself?

6. A human tendency We desire to connect with others We desire to relate to others We desire to be individuals We desire to share From infancy, your mothers shares nourishment, and in turn, you learn how one can benefit from a strong, intimate connection.

7. Elbow Partner When friends are deceitful, short tempered, and hurtful, how do you respond? How do your reactions relate to the Christian call to love?

8. Discussion Read the following scriptural passage, and answer the following question: Are you more like Martha or Mary?

9. The Home of Martha and Mary As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”