2. JOURNEY into “Better Relationships” Closeness Is Required

3. Journey into “better Relationships” TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS “JOURNEY” “U” MUST BE SPIRITUALLY PREPARED

4. Building Solid and Sure Our business is not to build quickly, but to build upon a right foundation, and right spirit. Life is more than a mere competition as between men and women; it is not who can work best; it is not who can rise highest in the shortest time, but who is working most patiently and lovingly in accordance with the designs of God.

5. TRIVIA QUESTION What king forced ten of his concubines to live as widows for the rest of their lives?

6. TRIVIA answer What aged prophetess in Jerusalem was a widow? “Anna” Lk. 2:36,37 “There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her hus- band seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying”

7. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems Show me a marriage that has never had an ill word; and I’ll show you a very quiet and on the verge relationship!!!!! If talking is involved; there will be disputes and disagreements!!!! The key is in… 1Corin. 13:16 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” There should be no desire for anyone to be hurt!!!

8. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems This is the “mess monger” gossip and its pusher —The Gossiper— Even “True Gossip,” when spread only to create mess is Gossip!! Remember this!! —Is It True?— —Is It necessary??— —Is It Helpful???— Hang on to this…Pro. 11:13 “A gossiper be- trays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret” If you’re going to tell it to someone be sure it’s the right one…???Hum!!!!!!

9. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems When you share your confidence—Think?!!!! Pro. 17:9 “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” Be strong enough to keep to yourself the mess you know on someone…Love helps you shut your mouth!!! I.The Right Time To Speak A. 1 st, We must Speak the Truth Lovingly 1. No cussing prior to…Eph. 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” Make sure this truth is going to help the in- tended party!! Delivery is everything!!!!

10. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems I.The Right Time To Speak A. 1 st, We must Speak the Truth Lovingly 1. No cussing prior to… a) Make sure you line up with these: Is my tongue under control and likely to stay that way? Are my words designed to help and heal or to hurt? Is this the right time and place? Remember: Let discretion be the better part of valor!!! Hence… Pro. 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” b) Starting like this: “You always…” or “You never” (Condemns) “I feel…” or “I think…” (Consoles)

11. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems I.The Right Time To Speak B. 2 nd, We must Speak the Truth Completely 1. About truth… “Half a truth is a whole lie” “If you tell little white lies, eventually you” “will go color blind” Can’t beat this…Pro. 12:19 “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue last only a moment” Truth is always timely; it applies today and in the future. Because it is connect- ed with God’s changeless character, it is also changeless

12. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems I.The Right Time To Speak B. 2 nd, We must Speak the Truth Completely 1. About truth… a) Save the relationship here… Pro. 28:23 “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue” Best to get the pain out the way, so growth can flourish C. 3 rd, We must Speak the Truth Wisely 1. Allow for all of this…Jm. 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere”

13. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems I.The Right Time To Speak C. 3 rd, We must Speak the Truth Wisely 1. Allow for all of this… a) So you want fall into this…Pro. 15:1 “…but a harsh word stirs up anger” b) And this want be your fate…Jm. 2:13 “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful…” 2. This is where you cash in…Jm. 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him”

14. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems I.The Right Time To Speak C. 3 rd, We must Speak the Truth Wisely 3. Why this is so important… Matt. 18:3“And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’”

15. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems —The whole truth— Often rubs us the wrong way, but if time is any indicator then it’s best to get all of it out, with the pain, so healing can take place. It’s better that all of it comes out so as to clear the place that love can abide!! !!!Often the truth hurts!!! !!!!So say it anyway!!!

16. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems THE PHRASE THAT PAYS!!!!!!!!!! MY FAITH WILL NEVER RISE ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MY CONFESSION

17. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems B.asic I.nformation B.efore L.eaving E.arth

18. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems WHAT IT SAYS This is my Bible, I am who my Bible say I am, I can do what my Bible say I can do. I have what my Bible say I have, my Bible teaches my spirit, my spirit teaches my mind, and my mind teaches my body. My Bible is full of promises and command- ments, my Bible has good and bad examp- les. How do I know my Bible is true? By comparing scripture with scripture and spiritual things with spiritual things. I study my Bible to show myself approved, rightly dividing the Word of God.

19. Journey into “Better Relationships” How to talk about relationship problems Next Week!!!! what Love always does