Relational Harmony Matthew 5:21-26
We often think that God cares more about our relationship with Him than how we relate to others. Is that true?
Which is more important to you—your vertical or horizontal relationships?
How can you sustain great relationships?
The Pharisees thought it good enough to care only for the vertical dimension with God in their lives.
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1. Relational Harmony: How are you doing with God?
The Bible speaks extensively about our relationship with God. Here are some key themes and verses:
1. God desires a personal relationship with us: God created us to be in relationship with Him, and He desires to know us intimately (John 17:3, Jeremiah 29:13).
2. We are called to love and worship God: Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We are also called to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
3. Our sin separates us from God: Sin is anything that goes against God's will, and it separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23).
4. Jesus reconciles us to God: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides a way for us to be reconciled to God and have our sins forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Colossians 1:19-20).
5. We are called to obey God and follow His will: As followers of Christ, we are called to obey God's commands and live according to His will (John 14:15, Romans 12:2).
6. Our relationship with God should be characterized by prayer and dependence on Him: We are called to pray without ceasing and to trust in God for all our needs (Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34).
7. We are called to bear fruit and serve others: As we grow in our relationship with God, we should bear fruit in the form of good works and serve others in love (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22-23, James 2:14-17).
Overall, the Bible teaches that our relationship with God is the most important relationship we will ever have. As we seek to know and love Him more, we will experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in His presence and following His will.
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2. Relational Harmony How can you sustain great relationships?
The Bible speaks extensively about our relationship with others. Here are some key themes and verses:
1. Love your neighbor as yourself: Jesus tells us that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This means treating others with the same love, respect, and kindness that we would want for ourselves.
2. Forgive one another: Jesus teaches us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15). This means letting go of grudges and showing mercy to those who have wronged us.
3. Be humble and serve others: Jesus teaches us to be humble and to serve others in love, just as He came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:26-28, Philippians 2:3-4).
4. Avoid gossip and slander: The Bible warns us against speaking negatively about others and spreading rumors or gossip (Proverbs 20:19, Ephesians 4:29).
5. Build up one another: The apostle Paul encourages us to use our words to build up and encourage one another, rather than tearing each other down (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
6. Be patient and kind: The apostle Paul teaches us that love is patient and kind, and it does not envy or boast (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This means showing patience and kindness to others, even when they are difficult to love.
7. Do not judge others: Jesus warns us against judging others, as we will be judged by the same standard (Matthew 7:1-5). Instead, we should focus on our own shortcomings and seek to help others in love.
Overall, the Bible teaches us that our relationships with others are an important aspect of our lives. As we seek to love and serve others, we reflect the love and character of Christ to the world around us.
Read more:
- Sermon about Blessed: How to Be Blessed Matthew 5:1-12
- Sermon about Jesus is King…Matthew 5–7
- Sermon about Covenant: The Land Covenant Deuteronomy30:1-10
- +15 Top Sermons to Preach The Word or Read OnLine
Conclusion
Make God and people your highest priorities (MI).
We’ll have great relationships when we manage our anger, worship, and money (MPs).
Exhortation: How are your relationships?
- How’s your anger (Mt 5:21)?
- How do you speak of others (Mt 5:22-23)?
- How can you prioritize people in worship (Mt 5:24-25)?
- How can you better manage your money (Mt 5:25-26)?
- How is your relationship with Jesus?
Prayer
