We Need Others: Created for Connection - Part 1
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
September 5, 2021
SERIES: Created for Connection
Too many are suffering from a lack of love which leaves them feeling isolated, uncared for, and lonely. We were made to enjoy satisfying relationships with God and one another. We really do need each other to be fully human, fully Christian, and fully alive. No matter how strong we are, all of us from time to time need help to carry our burdens. We need each other's gifts. We need to hear the truth spoken in love. We need relationships that nourish us, build us up and affirm our gifting and uniqueness. You were created for connection.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Pastor Keith began his message by talking about how much our culture and worldview affect the way we read the Bible. In particular, he compared the overt emphasis on individualism we experience as Americans versus the Biblical world view which emphasizes our connectivity and importance of the community. How do individual rights and me-centeredness compete with the values that undergird our walk with God? Have you ever struggled with this personally? Where do you see this playing out in society?
It has been proven through countless studies that we thrive and experience maximum happiness when we have meaningful relationships with others. Those same studies indicate the opposite is also true, those who lack meaningful relationships suffer emotionally, physically, and spiritually. What relationships have been most meaningful to you? Have you ever gone through an extended time of friend deprivation? What was that like?
We tend to get back in life what we put out. It’s called the law of proportionate return. By taking a genuine interest in others, showing ourselves as both friendly and approachable, and being good listeners, we will find many caring people in this world. By the same token, if we make it challenging for people to really know us, if we keep to ourselves, or if we have a prickly demeanor, we will find ourselves increasingly isolated. How have you seen this play out in your life? What advice might you have for both introverts and extroverts when it comes to relating well to others?
For friendships – meaningful connections – to thrive, we must make them a priority. We schedule the time just as we would anything else that is important to us. We treat getting together with others on the same level as other things we do for self-care. What advice would you have for someone who struggles with making relational connections a priority? What has worked well for you? What other things might be helpful in helping people establish a nurturing supportive community?
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