REFERENCE BIBLE VERSE

1 Corinthians 15:33 | Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.

Proverbs 27:17 | As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

OBJECTIVE

To not corrupt our character, but help each other to grow in godliness.

CONTENT

God designed humans to thrive with relationships. Yet, relationships are a big part of what shapes our character and habits. This is why in 1 Corinthians 15:33 God warns us that bad company can corrupt our character. On the other hand, a relationship that encourages us towards godliness and Christlikeness, as mentioned in Proverbs 27:17, can elevate our potential to become the best version that we can be.

  • Understanding what is God’s expectation for relationship
    • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 describes how crucial relationships can be in our lives, especially when we are experiencing adversities. As mentioned, two is better than one: it will be extremely difficult to always have a positive outlook & attitude in life when we are alone, but with the right and supportive relationships, we can become stronger in character.
    • When Jesus was about to be crucified, He also requested the company of His disciples when He was praying at the Gethsemane. This demonstrates that even Jesus longs for companionship and support from His loved ones, especially during times when it is hard to endure. As we are created in His image, it is only natural for us to need supportive company.
    • Great relationships exhibit God’s love and extend a helping hand. It is not self-seeking, in fact it freely gives without expecting a return. To be in a loving relationship means we go out of our ways to be intentional by responding and attending to the needs of the other person. 
    • By doing this we are not only obeying His command to love one another, but we also can also derive fulfillment from serving others, because we are operating by His design – that’s just the way God intended relationships should be and feel.
    • Fellowships are very important elements in the church, because just like synergy, we can do so much more together than we can do alone. Realize the potential of what we can become when surrounded by the right relationships!
  • Being intentional with the influence we give and receive from one another
    • Habits and perception are highly contagious. Just like how when we store one bad fruit in the fridge, it most likely would spoil the other ones. The worst kind of relationships will encourage us to live in sin continuously, and to drift us further away from Christ, furthering us from fulfilling our God-given destiny.
    • Therefore when forming relationships, it is best to have a common goal in mind: to encourage one another to be more like Christ. This is exactly why we should commit to being intentional in our relationships. Being aware of how we affect and become affected by one another. 
    • When we hold each other accountable to be more like Christ in our lives, we are more securely headed towards the right direction, and this pleases God!
    • Relationships should be meaningful. Meaningful relationships go beyond surface level or for mere entertainment or companionship. 
    • Meaningful relationships are encouraging. They want you to live to your best self. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and also a lot of sacrifice. But it is truly a reflection of Christ’s love to us.
    • The true mark of meaningful relationships is alerting one another if we are heading in the wrong direction. They don’t simply exist to maintain the “peace,” but are responsible to be able to rebuke the wrongs out of love and demand corrective action. This is what Jesus would have done.

 

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTION

  • Describe the challenges you have had with pursuing godliness due to the relationships around you. 
  • Describe the importance of being intentional in building relationships with one another? Mention how you can do better in your existing relationships, so that you can get the most out of God’s design of an ideal relationship.
  • Optional: What do you think God is teaching you about relationships in this season of your life?

REFERENCES