The Language of Love

This last week of Ministry is Relationships we explored God-Powered Relationship Skills.

1. Spiritual Growth

(The list is supposed to be a slanted arrow moving from the bottom left to the top right…as if each builds on each other..I can’t get it to format right so work with me 🙂 )

• Leadership is influence
• Influence comes from credible relationships
• Credible relationships come from a heart connection (Love)
• Heart connection comes from listening
• Listening comes from genuinely caring about people
• Genuine concern for people comes from a growing relationship with God
• A growing relationship with God

Application:

How healthy is your current relationship with God?

2. Love Languages

• Time and attention
  • Bible verses to demonstrate this love language: John 3:22, Luke 18:15-17, John 4:1-42, Matthew 15:1-20
• Touch (appropriate)
  • Matthew 19:13-15, John 11:17-37, Mark 10:13-16, Hebrews 3:13
• Tell (words)
  • Proverbs 18:21, 25:11, Ephesians 4:29, Romans 1:11-12
• To do (acts of service)
  • Luke 22:24-27, John 12:26, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:1-8
• Treasure (giving gifts)
  • Ps.24:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Matthew 19:27-29, 2 Corinthains 9:10-15, 9:7, Ephesians 6:7

Questions for Reflection

1. Which is the primary love language that you express to others?

2. Which love language does your closest friend primarily speak? Write one specific way that you can love this person using this love language.

3. Think of someone who is currently driving you nuts. What is his or her primary love language? Write one specific way that you can love this person using this love language.

Are your antennas up???

I missed a week of Ministry is Relationships, but here is the synopsis I was given:

The missing *ingredient for relational action in ministry

1. willingness
2. equipped-ness           }      = ACTION
3. awareness

The diagram was a little hard to replicate but hopefully you get the idea that 1,2,3 = Action

Also, the main idea was to put your antennas up and keep them up!  Be on the look out for relationships and how to nourish and create relationships.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

 Forgive me, if these thoughts are a little scattered, but they seem to be the main idea.  Be aware of your surroundings, notice others, incorporate others, don’t let your groups become exclusive, ect.

I am much more comfortable sticking with the group of friends I have and not being the out-going meet everyone kind of person.  The tricky part is to keep your antennas up and be authentic and real.  I don’t want to meet people just because “I’m supposed to” or that’s what is “expected” of me.  I am drawn to authentic, real people rather than those who seem or appear to be putting on an act of caring.

We Have A Name!

The Church Plant I’m a part of has picked a name: Antioch Community Church.  We also have a tentative start date of the weekend after labor day.  Exciting stuff!  Also, we’re having an informational meeting/free pizza/fellowship/hanging out time at Hope Community Church next Sunday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm 🙂

Convenience

• Microwave versus oven
• Ready made meals rather than homemade
• Television over books
• E-mail/Phone/Text instead of talking in person
• Using the snowblower instead of shoveling
• Driving two blocks instead of walking
• Relationships with “safe”, easy, already in your life people rather than taking risks

The list goes on…convenience can sometimes be a wonderful, wonderful thing.  Honestly, I’m glad snowblowers were invented and that we don’t have to use fireplaces to heat our homes!  I like being warm!

At the same time, I wonder if sometimes taking the convenient way or choosing something for its convenience hinders us from seeing, utilizing, or enjoying something else.  I find myself lacking patience.  I don’t want to wait 30 minutes to cook something in the oven…but let’s be honest, some things need to be cooked in the oven!  As such, sometimes we need to put aside convenience and embrace other choices.