Jon McClarnon

Yesterday we finished off our series “Relationships 101″. You can find all the messages and any related videos on the podcast page.

A few notes specifically about yesterday – I thought Katie, Mike and Tom did a phenomenal job leading our worship. We stripped back the band a bit…music was engaging and people in the room participated in a great way. Loved it!
If you’re curious, music on the day included:
Famous One
Desert Song
Inside Out/Came to My Rescue

Next week we will move on to some other teaching, but you will still have your relationships. Hopefully you will take the time if you haven’t already, to act on some of the things we’ve been talking about.
As far as the series goes – here’s a quick recap of the 5 weeks.

Building Blocks – you and I were designed for relationships…first, to be in relationship with God, but also to have relationships with others. It is precisely because we have been created by God and in his image that we can build great relationships. This image of God means that people have great value…deserve to be treated with respect…and need love.

There is a Purpose – anytime you put two people together in relationship – especially a marriage relationship, you have two individuals who come with their own history, likes/dislikes, preferences, upbringing, etc. Two entirely different people uniting as one. The only way to make that relationship work is if the two individuals are growing closer together due to their growing relationship with God. Sometimes people “grow apart” – this is usually because each individual started gravitating towards something other than God. Your relationship with God is the fuel for all other relationships.

Men and Women – Big Difference – hey we’re different aren’t we? And if we don’t take the time to understand the differences, or we ignore that there are differences – it’s going to set us up for some major disappointments in our relationships. This isn’t 100% standard on all men and women, but it’s pretty close. Here it is: men need respect and women need love.

The Power of Forgiveness – as long as there are relationships there will be hurt…and you will have the power to decide to forgive or not. The choice to forgive always begins when we realize our own debt. The debt we owe to God for the mountain of offenses we’ve committed against him. Our debt to God will always be greater than anyone else debt to us. It’s not easy, but that is what gives us the power to refuse to retaliate and ultimately cancel anothers debt. Those who truly understand the forgiveness given from God will live with a spirit of forgiveness for others.

Navigating the Battlefield – every relationship will have some conflict. We can actually find harmony and fight for peace when we sympathize with others…act in humility…and respond with mercy. Proverbs 12:18 has made a huge impact on me about the words that we speak into our relationships. Carefully places words and encouraging words can actually bring healing into the life of another person. And don’t forget – love covers a multitude of sins (yours and someone elses).

I really enjoyed the series and it really is true – much of what we need to know about relationships is really quite elementary.