Group Notes | January 11

Get Fit in Relationships
January 11, 2015

Open:

People were created to be social beings, but maintaining close bonds is often a challenge. Can you share situations where relationships were in danger, and yet had an excellent ending?
Last week we looked at getting fit in our spiritual life through avoiding sin, worshiping and pursuing God, and being in His Word. Today we are going to examine how a deep relationship with God enables us to have stronger ties with family and friends.

Discuss:

1. Quote Psalm 119:11 together (last week’s memory verse). Why is it necessary to get our lives spiritually fit before working on relationships with others?

2. Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. Anything that is valuable takes maintenance and care to protect it. So it is with relationships we truly care about. What are some actions we can take to keep a relationship healthy?

3. What are some obstacles to a healthy relationship, and why? What is probably the greatest hindrance?

4. Re-read verse 9. When someone hurts or uses us, what is our natural response? What type of response does God desire from us?

5. What is the promise in verse 10 which sounds so simple? What are some ways we can get control over our responses when we want to wound, hurt, or “get even?”

6. What does it take to be honest yet encouraging to everyone we talk to?

7. What are the instructions given in verse 11 that help us embrace better relationships?

8. Verse 12 gives us the abundant promise of security as we seek to live a life pleasing to God. What can we be assured of?

Close:

The relationships we are building should never be taken for granted. They are precious evidence of a life being lived to glorify Christ. As you close in prayer, remember to lift up the groups that are meeting at church to further meet needs in this area. Also pray that God will help you keep a bridle on your tongue, that you always speak softly, and keep your words pure.

Memory Verse, January 11, 2015:
1 Peter 3:8: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.