HANDOUT FOR SERMON: Building strong, healthy relationships. Part 2.
December 18, 2022
INTRODUCTION: God created us as social beings. From the day of our birth, we have
connection with people. Think about all the relationships you may have: family, friends, school
relationships, work relationships, spousal relationships, parent relationships, etc.
Mankind has struggled in these various relationships. Things go well for a while but then things
go “sour” and “downhill.” Sometimes these relationships may become hurtful and abusive.
Within the pages of God’s word, the Bible, there are many great guidelines and instruction on
how we are to live in these relationships in a manner that will become a blessing to ourselves
and to others.
Last week we looked at these main points concerning marriage:
1. Biblical marriage is first and foremost about companionship.
2. Biblical marriage also has its physical aspect such as basic needs and sex.
3. The Bible is where one needs to go to learn how to cultivate a stronger companionship
within the marriage.
4. In God’s eyes marriage should be all about honor and holiness.
5. God must be a central part of your marriage.
6. Building a proper foundation for marriage or any other kind of relationship.
We did not finish the lesson so for today we will continue our study on “Building a proper
foundation for our relationship.”
LESSON: We
Need stability in all our relationships for these relationships to function in an optimum manner.
Unstable relationships are always turbulent and insecure. Scripture: Psalm 62:1-2, 1 Samuel
2:2, Matthew 7:24-27, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 16:13, Ephesians 3:17
Stability is achieved in trusting completely on the Lord and listening to His instructions. He
gives us “foundational stones” to build our relationship upon. Let us consider 9 of these today.
1.EQUALITY: Genesis 2:21-25, Galatians 3:28-29
Definition: The state of being equal in status, rights and opportunities. Synonyms: fairness,
impartiality, justness.
We are equal in value in the eyes of God yet as husband and wife we have different roles. These
roles have nothing to do with inequality.
2. TEAMWORK: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Ephesians 4:15-16
Definition: The combined action of two or more working effectively and efficiently. Working
together in order to achieve a goal.
God instructs us to always work hard for the best of others in our working relationships.
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3. HONOR: Romans 12:9-16, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 2:7
Definition: High respect, great esteem. Adherence to what is right, to a conventional standard
of conduct. Fulfill an obligation or keep an agreement. Are we honorable in our thoughts,
words and action? Do we treat others honorably no matter who they are? Do we show
partiality?
4. RECONCILIATION: Colossians 3;13-14, Ephesians 2:15-18, Matthew 5:9 & 24,
James 4:1, Proverbs 15:1.
Definition: Restore friendly relations between. Cause to coexist in harmony. Make or show to
be compatible. Be consistent with others.
5. COMMUNICATION: Ephesus 4:24-32, Colossians 4:6, Matthew 15:11, Psalm
141:3, Proverbs 21:23
Definition: Imparting information. Exchanging of information.
God teaches us to think before we speak. He warns us about cruel and harsh speech. He
encourages us to speak in a way that encourages and builds up others.
6.CONTENTMENT: 1 Timothy 6:10. Hebrews 13:4-5.
Definition: The state of satisfaction and happiness. Ease of mind, calmness.
It is difficult in our materialistic world to remain content with what we have. We need to learn
to live in moderation and in gratefulness.
7.FORGIVENESS: Matthew 18:21-22, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13
Definition: The action of forgiving or being forgiven. A conscious, deliberate decision to release
feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person, regardless of whether they deserve your
forgiveness.
8.PERMANENCY: Genesis 2;24, Matthew 19:4-6.
Definition: The condition or quality of being permanent. Perpetual or continued existence
without significant change. Intended to exist or function for a long time. Indefinite period
without regard to unforeseeable conditions.
9.LOVE: Colossians 3:12-17, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 4:8
Definition: A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another. A feeling of warm personal
attachment or deep affection.
CONCLUSION: Let us from this day forward make a commitment to work on building a
stronger foundation for ALL of our RELATIONSHIPS! God expects each individual to do their part
in laying the “proper stones of character” so that you will be blessed but also all others with
whom you have a relationship with.