Healthy Relationships: The Seven ConnectionsSample

Connection Four – Small Groups and Friends

In our journey of faith, connecting with small groups and close friends is crucial for growing closer to God. When we pray together in small groups, it helps us worship and support each other. This shared prayer makes us feel united and strengthens our friendships as part of God's family.

Listening is also essential. Studying the Bible together in our small groups helps us understand more about God and His plans for us. When we listen to what others have to say, we gain new insight. Being able to hear others' ideas and opinions is an important step to having healthy relationships. This shared learning helps us understand God better and make good choices in our lives.

Having regular meetings for prayer, Bible study, and hanging out with our small group friends is key to keeping our faith strong. These gatherings encourage us, keep us accountable, and support us spiritually. They also help us share God's love with others through our actions and words.

So, connecting with small groups and friends means praying together, studying the Bible as a group, meeting up regularly for spiritual growth, and showing God's love to others. It strengthens our friendships, prepares us to do good things in the world, and honors God in everything we do.

In Summary:

Developing a strong close-knit connection with friends through small group.

Talking = Prayer with small group.

Listening = Bible study with small group.

Repeatedly = The habit of small group devotions (meetings).

Reproducible Walk Leading to Evangelism = sharing what you do in your small group that helps you connect with each other and God.

Discussion/ Reflection Questions:

1. Community and Fellowship: Reflect on a time when your small group or close Christian friends provided encouragement or accountability that helped you grow spiritually. What was the impact on your faith journey?
2. Bible Study and Shared Learning: How does studying the Bible together with others in a small group deepen your understanding of Scripture? What benefits do you see in discussing and exploring God's Word within a community?
3. Prayer and Mutual Support: In what ways does sharing prayer requests and praying for one another foster a sense of unity and care within your small group or among your Christian friends?

Real World Application:

• Join or Form a Small Group: Take steps to join a small group within your church or community if you aren't already part of one. If none exists, consider forming one with a few like-minded individuals. This group can meet regularly for Bible study, prayer, and mutual encouragement.

Closing Prayer:

• Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of community and relationships that deepen our faith. Help us to pray earnestly and study your Word together in our small groups, growing closer to you and one another. Guide us in establishing regular times of devotion within our groups, where we can worship you and support each other spiritually. Lord, as we live out these teachings, inspire us to share your love and truth with those around us. May our lives reflect your grace and draw others closer to you. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.