Sunday, December 1, 2024

Have you ever struggled in a relationship and wondered if it’s worth it? Relationships can definitely be messy but they also provide some of the biggest blessings. God never intended us to do life alone

Relationships with other bring richness and meaning to our lives and they also help us find freedom from loneliness and fear. It’s during those difficult times we are called to support each other.

Galatians 6:2
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

In life we will encounter difficulties and struggles. It's in these places that we will need God and our spiritual family to help us survive and thrive.

Today, consider who God has put in your life to help you navigate this world, and praise him for each person. How can you bless them? (Galatians 6:10) If you’re not prone to letting people in, consider why this might be.

Take some time to praise God for his great love for us and the gift of his Son, especially as we begin this Advent season and prepare for Christmas. (1 John 4:7-21)

Then respond to the following questions and reflect on how you can take a step or two forward and deepen the relationships God has placed in your life.

Discussion Questions:

• Icebreaker: Do you prefer Batman or Superman? Why?
• Why are people hesitant to let others into their lives?
• Read Galatians 6:1-3, 10. What do you learn about relationships and helping others thrive?
• Who have you been keeping at a distance?
• Who do you need to let into your life? What could that look like?

Prayer:
Lord, I confess relationships are sometimes messy, and they don’t always feel like a blessing to me. When this happens I am prone to wall others out. But today, I choose to praise you for each person you’ve put in my life to help me bear the burdens of this world. Remind me of your love and the gift of your son, and help me love others as you have loved me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.