Designed For Relationships

Download the study guide and other resources for free at https://lumivoz.com/gods-design-series/Session 1: Designed for Relationships “Community requires commitment. Only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers, but he cultivates it with the choices and commitments we make. Paul points out this dual responsibility when he says, ‘You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way’ (Ephesians 4:3 NCV). It takes both God’s power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community.” The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren p. 146 This study explores five insights we can learn from David’s life on God’s Design for Your Lives. 
After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:1, 3, 4 (NIV) In building deep relationships, we must leave our weapons, protection strategies, our masks, and quit faking “everything is okay.” We practice , , and to build deep relationships. The second step is letting people our lives. 
[David] learned that Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David . . . and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.”
1 Samuel 23:15–18 (NIV) 
When giving counsel to a friend, we need to help them
 and for their lives. SMALL GROUP GUIDELINES Discuss the Small Group Guidelines (available in the Small Group Resources download) after watching the video session. Add anything that you feel needs to be added for your group. GROUP TIME Ice Breaker Have each person share for one minute about who was his or her childhood best friend and what made them friends. Building Relationships Now it’s time to share a bit more about your life story. 
Share your life story in 5 minutes with your group. Focus on your whole life picture, not just a testimony. Talk about growing up, going to school, careers, meeting a significant other, your family, your hobbies, how you got connected to your church, and when you gave your life to Jesus. If your group is larger than eight people you should break into two or more groups of four to six people to make sure everybody has time to share. If your group has been meeting for a while, share something your group doesn’t know about you. It could be an embarrassing moment, a weird job, or memorable trip, or a dream that you have for your life. SUBGROUPING Each week we’re going to break into smaller, three to five person groups for some deeper sharing. Try to divide along gender lines if you’re a mixed gender group. This is a great way to make sure every person has time to share and provides an opportunity for more openness. In your subgroup share one or two areas that God is working on in your life. Have the person most comfortable with sharing go first. Don’t try to offer a quick fix or snap judgment as people share. Let people be real about what’s going on in their lives. If there’s something that needs prayer, don’t wait until the end of the meeting, pray right then and there for them. Prayer Requests In your subgroup, share any prayer requests you have. Don’t worry whether the requests are big or little. God cares about all areas of our lives. Nothing is too big for him, and nothing is too small for him. Write your