Week 1

Look Back

What challenging relational situation are you going through right now that you are giving to God to handle?

Look Up

Read Romans 12:3

1. What warning does the author Paul give his readers in this verse? Why is this important to building healthy relationships with other people?
2. What does Paul encourage his readers to do instead? What is required for someone to do this?

Read Romans 12:16-19

1. What does it mean to live in “harmony” with other people? Does this mean that a person needs to agree with everyone? Why or why not?
2. What specific behaviors and attitudes does Paul tell his readers to avoid? What do these have in common, and why is this significant?
3. Based on verses 18-19, who is responsible for creating positive relationships with other people? What other factors and advice does Paul give in these verses and which is most helpful to you?

Read James 4:1-2 and Psalm 139:23-24

1. What specifically does Paul say is the primary cause of fights and quarrels? Have you ever experienced this personally, and if so, what was the outcome?
2. What does Psalm 139:23-24 offer to people who find themselves in a challenging or difficult relationship? What does this have in common with Paul’s message in Romans 4?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

In your most difficult relationship, are you clear about what you bring to the table? What will you do to make the relationship stronger?

Notes

Relationships are a huge part of our lives. Relationships are layered and difficult, and everyone sees relationships through their own filters. The common denominator in all of our relationships is “me,” and I alone can control how I respond to others with different perspectives and needs. We all need to examine ourselves when navigating a difficult relationship. Am I considering only myself? Am I repeating patterns that I have been around and/or taught? Am I willing to ask and, if possible, do things that others need from me to improve a difficult relationship?