SESSION OBJECTIVE:

Aside from your family members, who is the person closest to you and why? Share it to the group.

THE WORD

Discover what the Bible says regarding human relationships. Study the passages given and write what you discover on the blanks.

1. The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” — Genesis 2: 18

Humans are __________________________________________________________________________________________________.
“It is not good for man to be alone.” This applies not just to Adam but to the entire human race as well. We need one another. Relationships are indispensable for the following reasons:

a. To affirm our value as a persons.

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring, human being. ” – John Powell

Other people are mirrors by which we see ourselves. If they see us as worthless, then we will feel worthless. If they see us as adorable then, we will like ourselves. Our understanding of ourselves is basically dependent on how others see us, especially those whom we adore and those who are close to us.

b. To help and complement us

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4: 12

The myriads of tasks and duties that can only be done by working together make us realize that no person is really complete in himself. We will always need other people. Even things that we think we can make on our own are still done better if we have somebody to help us.

c. To develop and mature us

“God loves and heals persons through other persons, in the intimacy of personal relationships” — Donald Williamson

Though relationships provide us with most of our joys, it has undeniably been the source of many of our pains too. Because of this, many would rather retreat in a shell and isolate themselves from others. But we must realise that other people are not only there to make our lives easier. Their presence is also meant to train and develop our character.

Pondering on what is said that women who do not marry tend to be cranky. This may be because they don’t have a husband and children to try their patience and develop their other motherly qualities. How can we develop love if there is no one in our life to love? How can we learn to understand and forgive if there is no one to hurt us?

2. “They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.” — Luke 20:47

God holds us accountable ___________________________________________________________________________________.
Many are not aware of the spiritual dimension of their relationships with others. God takes a special interest in how we treat our fellow human beings because He created and owns them. Any abuse or offense done even to the lowliest of our fellowmen is ultimately an affront against God, their Maker and Owner.

“When we also deal with other human beings, we deal with God their Creator.” – Anonymous

3. “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatsoever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ – Matthew 25: 44-45

Christ sees our actions _______________________________________________________________________________________.
Some Christians think it would really be wonderful to have Christ physically present today just like in the disciples’ time so we could shower Him with our love and gratitude. But the truth is, even though he is physically absent today, we can tangibly express our love for Him. Christ said that whatever we do to the least of our brethren here on earth, we have done it to Him.

Our love for God is measured by the love that we have to those who are least, Brotherly love is the door that opens to the divine. Our claim to love God will only remain as words unless we learn to love our fellowmen. We cannot love God and not include our brother. It is spiritually impossible.

In CARE Group, people are trained to see the spiritual dimension of their relationships. They are encouraged to value these relationships and see them as opportunities not only to develop self but also to share Christ to them.

THE LIFE

                                                               Poor                     Fair                     Good V.                  Good                     Excellent

1. As a son/daughter                      __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
2. As a sibling                                   __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
3. As a parent                                   __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
4. As a spouse                                  __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
5. As a churchmate                         __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
6. As a neighbor                               __________            __________              __________               __________                __________
7. As a workmate                             __________            __________              __________               __________                __________

Share to the group about the areas where you gave yourself the highest and the lowest marks.

Write down the action you will be taking to improve what you stated as your weakest area.

Area of Weakness:________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Resolution:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THROUGH SONG

Family of God

I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God

You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God

THROUGH PRAYER

Pray for your group members to learn the value of their relationships, and see the people in their lives as blessings essential to their spiritual maturity. Include also the resolution of each member and other prayer requests.