4 Ways To Improve Your Relationships | Keep Talking

In this message, Pastors Todd and Julie kicked off a new series called “It’s Complicated,” where they shared practical and biblical tips for every relationship. Whether you're a parent, a child, a spouse, a coworker, or a friend, use this guide to keep talking about how to improve the one common denominator in every relationship—you!

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

• God wants us to have remarkable relationships. 
• The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.
• People who are more socially connected to family, friends, and community are happier and healthier and live longer than people who live in isolation. 
• The common denominator in every relationship is YOU. 
• A better me is a better we.  
• When we lead with vulnerability, it opens the door to greater intimacy. 
• The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• John 13:34-35
• Galatians 6:2
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Proverbs 27:17
• Proverbs 19:6
• Proverbs 18:24
• John 10:10
• Ephesians 6:12
• Luke 10:19
• Ephesians 4:26-27
• Proverbs 19:11
• Colossians 3:13

START TALKING 

• Are you a light packer or an over-packer when you travel? Bare bones or everything-but-the-kitchen-sink? 
  

KEEP TALKING

• How old were you when you realized relationships were complicated? Talk about it! 
• Pastors Todd and Julie used the luggage illustration to show how we all enter relationships with baggage. We bring wisdom and past experiences into every relationship, but we can also bring rejection, hurtful words, unforgiveness, broken trust, hurt feelings, anger, and anxiety. What would you say is in your “luggage” and how do you see it impacting your relationships, for better or for worse? 
• We were all challenged to bring a G.I.F.T. into every relationship, rather than baggage. Bringing a G.I.F.T. looks like:
  • Going first
  • Identifying our ally
  • Forgiving fast
  • Taking time 
  • Which one of these four practices are you best at? Which one do you need to work on? 
• Read Proverbs 19:11. What would it look like for you to apply this verse to your relationships this week? What little offenses do you need to overlook? 
• Pastor Julie said we can “spend our time or invest our time.” Where do you need to invest your time this week?

KEEP IT GOING

• Think about one complicated relationship in your life. The first step in bringing a G.I.F.T. to the relationship is going first. How can you make the first move this week? What step do you need to take, or what conversation do you need to have? Need help starting the conversation? Check out these communication hacks to help strengthen every relationship.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for going first. For giving us the gift of Jesus. For forgiving us and loving us first. Help us to be more like you in all of our relationships. Holy Spirit, soften our hearts like only you can do. We love you. Amen.