Recipes for Relationships Pt. 2

Here’s Part 2 of the Recipes for Relationships Series!

Song:  The Size of Grace -  Beautiful Eulogy

We are Social creatures: Meant to be in relationship with each other
Relationships cause great joy And they cause the most horrific pain

Often the Pain is because we put relationships together using the wrong pieces

  • we put the Wrong people
  • in the Wrong positions
  • we commit the Wrong actions
  • holding the Wrong expectations

Today we’re going to talk about the people, positions, actions and expectations so we can ensure that we have healthy and Jesus centered relationships.

The Three types of People in Life

  • Those we meet in life
  • Those with a place in our life
  • Those with whom we build our lives

2 Corinthians 8:7: But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

What is Grace?

  • Grace is withholding punishment and rewarding relationship
  • Grace is when we do not get what we deserve and we get more
  • Grace does not negate the wrong,
  • Grace rewards the person in spite of the wrong
  • Grace sees the wrong and moves forward without it, and provides incentive with no reason
  • Grace does not expect a reciprocal relationship
  • Grace does not keep a record of behavioral infractions
  • Grace does not hold a list of appropriate sanctions
  • Grace blesses the relationship
  • Grace looks past actions and sees intentions
  • Grace fills the gaps in the other person: (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
  • Grace is humble and never proud (James 4:6

So How do you Give Grace?

  • By providing what is needed not what is deserved
  • By taking the first step
  • By reaching out to those who betray us
  • By checking in on those who ignore us
  • By meeting the needs of those who always take

Why Give Grace?

  • You may be the only Christ that anyone ever sees
  • The people in your life are there for a reason
  • These people may need to see more Christ on a more consistent basis than any other
  • Your consistent example of Christ is the model for their salvation and their change

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