Getting To The Root of Relationships

Relationships make up a large part of our lives.  Whether it includes relationships with our family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, team members, and even passerby interactions at the grocery store or gym.  These relationships, both big and small, fill the majority of our days and therefore have a significant impact on our day-to-day lives.  

In this section of teaching, Jesus is concerned about what is happening inside of us in the context of these relationships and interactions.  We are going to spend some time getting to the root of what is happening, and how that is impacting our relationships with others, our relationship with God, and our relationship with ourselves.

Before Reading Matthew 5:21-26 & 5:38-48:
Take a few deep breaths to slow your heart and mind.  Pray, inviting God into your thinking over these next few moments. Honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:

• What has God been bringing into my thinking as I have engaged in worship services and reflected on the Sermon on the Mount in this series so far?
• What feels uncomfortable?  Why?  Are there sore spots that need attention, care, and healing?

After Reading Matthew 5:21-26 & 5:38-48:

• What parts of this passage were you tempted to dismiss/overlook?
• What parts of this passage stung a little more?
• Anger: (Matthew 5: 21-26)

• The person I am most angry with right now is _________, because _________.
• The person or situation that triggers angry emotions in me more quickly than others is _________, because _________.

• Offenses and Retaliation: (Matthew 5: 38 - 42

• The person I would most like to "strike back" or push against is _________, because _________.

• Love for Enemies: (Matthew 5:43-48)

• The person or people I would put at the top of a "My Enemies" List is _________, because _________.
• I feel "persecuted" by _________, when _________.