We are all different. When you magnify differences in others negatively the result is conflict. But view those same differences through the filter of love and they become unique strengths that can result in great friendships. Peaceful relationships take work. This week Sarah and I teach together on how you can cultivate deep-spirited friendships. Listen online @BranchChurch.org or download the Podcast on iTunes.Peace in your Relationships
Get Planted
Psalm 34:11-14 – Search and Work for peace. KJV says seek peace and pursue it.
Grow Strong
John 10:10 - Jesus came to bring abundance to our relationships.
Galatians 5:13-15 - Loving yourself is vital to loving others.
1 John 4:18 - Fear will cripple peaceful relationships.
Proverbs 18:24 - Want a friend... Be a friend. Be a life giving friend to have a life giving relationship.
Relationships should...
- Encourage
- Listen
- Sharpen
- Build the Kingdom
- Bring Joy
- Never control (Colossians 2:18-19 Message) - Don't tolerate people who try to run your life, ordering you to bow and scrape, insisting that you join their obsession with angels and that you seek out visions. They're a lot of hot air, that's all they are. They're completely out of touch with the source of life, Christ, who puts us together in one piece, whose very breath and blood flow through us. He is the Head and we are the body. We can grow up healthy in God only as he nourishes us.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - No Isolation. Self-pity is destructive
Branch Out
Philippians 2:1-4 Message - If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Colossians 3:15 Message - Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.






