The Relationship Cup

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Your maturity as a disciple of Jesus can be measured by your relationships (or the absence of relationships) with others. Looking at much of Jesus’ teaching, healthy and happy relationships are often a core topic He taught and modeled for us. God desires for us to have healthy, life-giving relationships, and He has given us all the opportunity to learn how to engage in a godly, Spirit-filled way. Many people claim to love and follow Jesus, but their lives are full of broken and unhealthy relationships, or none at all. This is not the life of Jesus’ disciples.

Regarding this cup, ask yourself and the one you’re discipling:

• Do you understand what it takes to be a good friend?
• How are you dealing with your family relationships?
• If you are married, how are you building a strong marriage?
• Is your natural tendency to give to others in your relationships? Or do you struggle with taking?
• How is a “godly relationship” different from other normal relationships?
• Has the Holy Spirit helped you learn to bring confrontation when needed lovingly? Or do you still avoid conflict at all costs?

Healthy relationships lead to healthy community life and healthy families. Followers of Jesus must continually seek to express the fruit of the Spirit in all our relationships. Relationships are absolutely vital in the Kingdom of God. We are called to do life in community and with others, but often we do not know how to maintain these relationships in a healthy manner.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do my relationships look like?
2. How can I create Godly relationships with the people around me?