Improving Relationships among Brethren

Introduction:
    When it comes to relationships between brethren, how are we doing? Paul complimented the Thessalonians and told them to excel even more! (1 Thess. 4:1, 9-10) How is this done? How can we take things to the next level? In dealing with matters as this it is important to remember that we are to be imitators of God. (Eph. 5:1) We are to pursue things which make for peace. (Rom. 14:19) So, how can we improve relationships?
I. What hinders relationships?
    A. A lack of ____________. It has been commanded! Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Mt. 25:31-46
        1. We often cite a lack of ________ as primary reason for not getting together!
            a) make time! We make time for the things we _________ to do!
    B. A lack of understanding for those less ____________ in the faith.
        1. Eph. 4:24—desire to become stronger; mature; working to put on _______________.
        2. Remember, we’re all at different maturity levels! We all struggle w/various things!
        3. Problem created with less mature aren’t concerned about ___________.
              a) Those mature must create an ________________ for growth!
              b) remember, someone helped you ____ ____ ______ for growth! See Col. 2:6-7
    C. A lack of ____________ for differing personalities/opinions.
        1. Perspectives/opinions are different b/c people different!
        2. Don’t take disagreements ___________________!
        3. Pursue peace! (Rom. 12:18) See also Mt. 5:23; 18:15-17; 18:21-22. Takes work!
    D. __________________. Mt. 5:14-16—this is our goal; mission!
        1. Sickened when bro/sis do not imitate God. Think of __________—Rev. 3:!6
        2. Heb. 5:8-9—it’s what we _____ that counts!
    E. Lack of ________________ when troubles come. See Gal. 6:1-2
        1. Heb. 3:12-13—_________ can be hardened from sin!
        2. There’s a flip-side to this. Don’t play the ____-____ game!
        3. You’re not the only one with problems!
    F. Not present at ___________ consistently.
        1. Heb. 10:24-25—to stimulate others to love/good deeds
        2. All agree on need to worship, but some choose not to come.
II. We must develop ___________ relationships with each other.
    A. Rom. 12:10—be ____________ to one another.
        1. Text suggests ______ ____________ for brethren!
    B. Be willing to let the ____________ things go. See Eph. 4:32
        1. Operate w/patience; tenderness; forgiveness.
    C. ____________.
        1. Too often we’re quick to speak and not listen. See Js. 1:19-20.
    D. Help one another with our _________________. See Gal. 6:2
        1. Working together we can help each other improve our lives!
Conclusion:
    A. What’s the best way to improve relationships? Become an ___________ of God! Eph. 5:1
        1. Work to become more like ___________! Lk 6:40
    B. Earnestly work on improving/building relationships with brethren—they don’t happen by accident!
    C. Most important thing: “How is your relationship with God?” Can we help you get it started, today?



Improving Relationships among Brethren Introduction: When it comes to relationships between brethren, how are we doing? Paul complimented the Thessalonians and told them to excel even more! (1 Thess. 4:1, 9-10) How is this done? How can we take things to the next level? In dealing with matters as this it is important to remember that we are to be imitators of God. (Eph. 5:1) We are to pursue things which make for peace. (Rom. 14:19) So, how can we improve relationships? I. What hinders relationships? A. A lack of ____________. It has been commanded! Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Mt. 25:31-46 1. We often cite a lack of ________ as primary reason for not getting together! a) make time! We make time for the things we _________ to do! B. A lack of understanding for those less ____________ in the faith. 1. Eph. 4:24—desire to become stronger; mature; working to put on _______________. 2. Remember, we’re all at different maturity levels! We all struggle w/various things! 3. Problem created with less mature aren’t concerned about ___________. a) Those mature must create an ________________ for growth! b) remember, someone helped you ____ ____ ______ for growth! See Col. 2:6-7 C. A lack of ____________ for differing personalities/opinions. 1. Perspectives/opinions are different b/c people different! 2. Don’t take disagreements ___________________! 3. Pursue peace! (Rom. 12:18) See also Mt. 5:23; 18:15-17; 18:21-22. Takes work! D. __________________. Mt. 5:14-16—this is our goal; mission! 1. Sickened when bro/sis do not imitate God. Think of __________—Rev. 3:!6 2. Heb. 5:8-9—it’s what we _____ that counts! E. Lack of ________________ when troubles come. See Gal. 6:1-2 1. Heb. 3:12-13—_________ can be hardened from sin! 2. There’s a flip-side to this. Don’t play the ____-____ game! 3. You’re not the only one with problems! F. Not present at ___________ consistently. 1. Heb. 10:24-25—to stimulate others to love/good deeds 2. All agree on need to worship, but some choose not to come. II. We must develop ___________ relationships with each other. A. Rom. 12:10—be ____________ to one another. 1. Text suggests ______ ____________ for brethren! B. Be willing to let the ____________ things go. See Eph. 4:32 1. Operate w/patience; tenderness; forgiveness. C. ____________. 1. Too often we’re quick to speak and not listen. See Js. 1:19-20. D. Help one another with our _________________. See Gal. 6:2 1. Working together we can help each other improve our lives! Conclusion: A. What’s the best way to improve relationships? Become an ___________ of God! Eph. 5:1 1. Work to become more like ___________! Lk 6:40 B. Earnestly work on improving/building relationships with brethren—they don’t happen by accident! C. Most important thing: “How is your relationship with God?” Can we help you get it started, today?