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 man and man ; 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 accord- ance with the designs of God.

5. TRIVIA QUESTION What court prophet of David’s had 14 sons and 3 daughters?

6. TRIVIA answer What King of Judah had 28 sons and 60 daughters? “Rehoboam” 2 Chron. 11:21 “Rehoboam loved Maacah daughter of Absalom more than any of his other wives and concubines. In all, he had eighteen wives and sixty concubines, twenty- eight sons and sixty daughters”

7. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships Time to add the ingredients that rely on the base foundation of “love” Start Stirring: 1Cor. 13:4a “Love is Patient..” I. Building The 1 st Tier A. 1 st, We must know the meaning of patience Defined as: Capable of bearing affliction calmly; Understanding: tolerant; Perse- vering: constant; Capable of bearing delay. Capacity for calm endurance !!Our focus is to be on those!! !!qualities with people!!

8. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier A. 1 st, We must know the meaning of patience 1. Just naturally “Impatient”…But!!! Pro. 14:29 “A patient man has great under- standing, but a quick-tempered man dis- plays folly” A quick temper can be like a fire out of control. It can burn us and everyone else in its path. Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt. When you feel your- self getting angry, look for the cause. Pray that God will help you control your quick temper.

9. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier A. 1 st, We must know the meaning of patience 1. Just naturally “Impatient”…But!!! a) Focus as He does…1 Sam. 16:7b “…‘The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” b) God disallows impatience by command Eph. 4:2b “…be patient, bearing with one an- other in love” It’s not easy, but “YES WE CAN”!! He does not require us to do impossible things!!!

10. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier B. 2 nd, We must know how to mature in patience —fertilizing the growth process— 1. We must remember how patient God has been with us…1Tim. 1:16 “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that end me, the worst of sin- ners, Christ Jesus might display His unlim- ited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” It’s important for us to not forget from whence we were brought Maturity is needed in any “Spiritual Growth” endeavor

11. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier B. 2 nd, We must know how to mature in patience —fertilizing the growth process— 2. We must be willing to forgive… It’s in our best interest because of… Pro. 19:11 “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” Even the best of us lose it at sometime; but you must reel it back in and choose to forgive—FOR PATIENCE SAKE!! 3. We must be willing to overlook the faults of others…Pro. 12:16 “a fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult” When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encour- ages trouble. Instead answer slowly and quietly.

12. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier B. 2 nd, We must know how to mature in patience —fertilizing the growth process— 3. We must be willing to overlook the faults of others… a) This signifies why we should overlook.. Pro. 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insist on answering gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response

13. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier B. 2 nd, We must know how to mature in patience —fertilizing the growth process— 4. We must be willing to listen… people are not going to listen to us until they have said all they want to say. While we are speaking, they are simply trying to think of what they want to say next. Jm. 1:19b “…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” C. 3 rd, We must know the motivation for patience Because God does; We should…2 Pet. 3:9b “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”

14. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships I.Building The 1 st Tier C. 3 rd, We must know the motivation for patience 1. The Ultimate Act…Lk. 23:34 “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’…” a) Do what He did!!…Phil. 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus”

15. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships —overlooking faults— I am sorely lacking in this area. At times I can be very critical of folk; especially those in positions of authority, because of some shortcoming that will tax my patience. Often I have to step back and say “Remember you were once there”. !!He overlooked my faults; I’m!! !!Obligated to do the same for!! !!others!!

16. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships THE PHRASE THAT PAYS!!!!!!!!!! MY FAITH WILL NEVER RISE ABOVE THE LEVEL OF MY CONFESSION

17. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships B.elievers I.nformation B.efore L.eaving E.arth

18. Journey into “Better Relationships” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships 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” The Supreme Ingredient in Relationships Next Week!!!! Actions That build Better Relati0nships