Growing Together - Bible Studay

Growing Together

It takes more energy and effort to grow a relationship.

It’s easy to start one.

Growing Together Requires Patience

1 Corinthians 13:4–5 CSB

4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.

Another word for patience is long-suffering

enduring for the long run

We often love people we have to be patient with.

Ephesians 4:2 CSB

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Growing Together Requires Truthfulness

1 Corinthians 13:6 (CSB)

6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.

Yes isn’t always best

Sometimes love means confrontation

Ephesians 4:15 CSB

15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.

A prerequisite to speaking truth is trust.

Check Your Motives

Matthew 7:3–5 CSB

3 Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.

Is it helpful or hurtful?

“Imma cut them up”

Proverbs 27:6 (CSB)

6 The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

Plan your Presentation

Plan When you’re going to say it.

Proverbs 25:11 (CSB)

11 A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.

Plan What you’ll say.

Proverbs 25:12 CSB

12 A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Pray How you’ll say it.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Say it Tactfully

Proverbs 16:21 CSB

21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.

Proverbs 15:1 CSB

1 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Galatians 6:1 CSB

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.

Proverbs 24:26 CSB

26 He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.

Growing Together Requires Forgiveness

It may be the most difficult act of love.

How do you respond when someone hurts you?

1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB

5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.

I forgive but I’ll never forget isn’t forgiveness

Matthew 7:2 CSB

2 For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.

Even people who hurt you have the right to be forgiven

We need to have some STAY CONVERSATIONS

Who in your life do you need to forgive?