Enlarge our Relationships

Synopsis: Jack Frost is often depicted as a figure of winter, bringing the cold, frost, and snow. In various folklore and modern stories, he represents the chilly, isolating aspects of the season—something that can freeze over warmth, connection, and life itself. In some versions, he’s mischievous, causing trouble by nipping at fingers and toes and covering everything in ice. But Jack Frost also represents the distance and coldness that can slip into our relationships, especially during the holidays, when stress and busyness often put strain on our connections with others.In this context, Jack Frost is a symbol of relational chill. Like a frost-covered window that blurs and separates, he stands for the ways in which misunderstandings, old grudges, or simply lack of time can create barriers between us and the people we care about. Confronting “Jack Frost” means being intentional about warming up our relationships, forgiving old hurts, and nurturing meaningful connections during a time when we’re called to experience the warmth and love of Christ with others. It is clear, the Relationships are a large part of our live, and a large part of our holiday season. And It makes sense doesn't it. God is a relational being. And he created us to be relational beings. But we warned, not all relationships are the same.

Some Grow and Nurture - Some Whither and corrupt

Some grow cold, like with Jack Frost - some grow warmer

Some are depleating - some are nourishing.

Some are boring - some are exilerating

I wish there was some kind of guidance about relationships that would help us navigate this relational world. Well, we are are in luck! God gives us a great deal of instruction about building redemptive relationships. Redemptive relationships are relationship to help cultivate our faith. Redemptive Relationships cultivate our faith and create joy in the Holiday Season. Relational Wisdom from Proverbs

We have been using the book of Proverbs to find wisdom for our season so that we can resist the Christmas villians that try to steal our joy.

Here are some of the relational themes that are found in Proverbs.

I have listed these in your sermon notes and given you scripture to search the idea further.

Importance of Wise Counsel:

Seek advice from trusted mentors and godly individuals. (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22)

Value the input of others and be open to correction. (Proverbs 12:15, 19:20)

Power of Words:

Choose words carefully, as they can build up or tear down. (Proverbs 10:11, 12:18, 15:1)

Cultivate a gentle and encouraging tongue. (Proverbs 15:1, 16:23)

Avoid gossip and slander. (Proverbs 11:13, 16:28)

Value of Friendship:

Invest in genuine friendships characterized by loyalty and support. (Proverbs 17:17, 18:24)

Be a true friend who offers encouragement and stands by others in need. (Proverbs 17:17)

Building a Strong Family:

Emphasizes the importance of a godly wife and the blessings she brings. (Proverbs 18:22, 31:10-31)

Highlights the responsibility of fathers to guide and discipline their children. (Proverbs 13:24, 22:6)

Encourages children to honor and obey their parents. (Proverbs 6:20-23, 15:5)

Greatest Relational Wisdom in Proverbs: Proverbs 18:24 - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

A Relational Warning:

This is a tricky verse, because on face value it seems to say something that seems super simple.

Like - If you want more friends just be more friendly.

And that's pretty good advice.

But that's not quite what the author has in mind.

But remember, we are dealing with Hebrew poetry, not English Poetry.

This verse is actually a warning of sorts.

A warning about having too many friends. Or perhaps better stating trying to be everyone friend.

In the original language the verse reads more like this.

A person with too many friends can come to ruin.

Well that's a bit different, and I am not sure why.

So main idea of the verse is that it is better to have a few good good friends than trying to make everyone your friend.

If we are not careful, our relationships can consume us and

Perhaps the idea is found in the word "must". If you have many friends, there is going to be a pull toward satisfying the friendship.

Perhaps the author is referring to the influence people have on one another.

One thing common theme in relationships found in both the Old and New Testaments is the idea of guarding against unredemptive relationships

Guard against Unredemptive relationships

What is an unredemptive relationships?

An unredemptive relationship is one that disregards God's principles, hinders spiritual growth, and prioritizes worldly values and personal desires over love, respect, and commitment to God.

Consider Proverbs 1:10-19.

Proverbs 1:10 - My son, if sinners entice thee, Consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:15 - My son, walk not thou in the way with them; Refrain thy foot from their path:

Proverbs 1:15 sounds close to what Psalms 1:1

Psalms 1:1 - Blessed is the man. That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Why does the Bible invite us to guard against unredemptive relationships.

The Bible gives one resounding answer.

God knew that that voices we put around us have an impact on us.

So we wants us to guard against that voices that might draw us away from Him and His way of life.

How do we guard against unrighteous relationships

Generally, we are not to give this kind of relationship a greater voice in our life than the voice of God.

Some of these relationships we can not avoid.

Unbelieving family members

Co-workers

People we are interesting is sharing Jesus

Some relationships must be avoided. We have to separate ourselves from these individuals.

This can be super hard!

Often times because we are already emotional attached.

This is where faith comes in.

We are trusting that God's way is best!

We trust that he will provide a goldy relationship in its place.

We trust that God will provide someone to share Jesus with that person in our absence.

Cherish and Build Redemptive Relationships

This is the idea found in the statement "A Friends who stick with you."

Not a fair weather friend, but a friend who will stay around our your best and and your worst day.

A friend that will climb the mountain with you, but also be present in the valley.

This is a true friend.

I want to give you three ideas on how to find and keep this kind of friend.

Treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.

Proverbs 14:21 - He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he

Cultivate humility and avoid pride.

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.

Practice forgiveness and reconciliation.

Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

All of these qualities are exemplified by a life of faith. Yes it is possible to exhibit the qualities a part from being a person of faith.

But remember, We aren't just trying to build relationships, but redemptive relationships.

And Redemptive Relationships cultivate our faith and create joy in the Holiday Season.

CONCLUSION: I think it's important to remind us that there is a relationship that we should all have. It is a relationship with God. He truly is the friend above all friends. He thought having a relationship with us was so important that he sent his son Jesus to die on a cross so that he could have that relationship. That God is the perfect friend, in that he doesn't force anyone to be his friend. But he does invite everyone. He invites us to become his friend through faith in him. What does that look like you ask?Well, faith starts with belief. We must believe that he is, and that he loves us very much. But just because he loves us doesnt' automatically mean that we can be friends. You see, we have wronged God. The Bible calls this sin, and the consequence of sin is that we have been separated from God.God knew this, and he decided to make a way that we could be reunited with him. So he sent his son Jesus. Jesus becomes the bridge by which we can be reunited with God. If we believe in Jesus, if we believe that his death on the cross has reunited us with God, then we are ready to take the next step.The next step is just to call out and ask Jesus for forgiveness of our sins. And it's not just about asking Jesus for forgiveness, it also includes trusting Jesus as the way of life. That is we believe that God knows the best way to live and we willingly follow him. That's a faith decision. That's the decision that will make us friends with God.