Through Thick & Thin - Part 4 [Notes]

Relationships are so important, and yet they can be so difficult. The pandemic, social media and a divided country have not helped. How do we develop new relationships? How do we strengthen the ones we have? How do we repair the ones that seem broken? Why does it even matter?  

Join us for our series titled, Through Thick & Thin. We will explore ways to develop the kinds of friendships that will enrich our lives.

Today's Takeaway // Be the Sermon on the Mount.

An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion.
– Proverbs 29:22 (HCSB)

But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good.
– 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (HCSB)

My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
– James 1:19-20 (HCSB)

The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.
– Matthew 5:5 (HCSB)

As toward God...meekness accepts his dealings without murmur or resistance as absolutely good and wise. As toward man, it accepts opposition, insult, and provocation.
– M.R. Vincent

The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.
– Matthew 5:9 (HCSB)

If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
– Romans 12:18 (HCSB)

“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
– Matthew 5:11-12 (HCSB)

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brothers will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool! ’twill be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire.
– Matthew 5:21-22 (HCSB)

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
– Matthew 5:38-48 (HCSB)

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
– Matthew 5:38-39 (HCSB)

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
– Romans 12:17-21 (HCSB)

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
– Matthew 5:43-48 (HCSB)

1. Why do you think it is so difficult to get along with some people?
2. Read James 1:20-21. Why are these verses so hard to apply to our lives? How might following these “prescriptions” help us in our relationships with difficult people? What might happen if we don’t listen to what James wrote here?
3. Read Matthew 5:38-48.It’s important to realize these verses are dealing with the problem of seeking revenge against someone who has wronged us. These verses do not encourage us to “be a doormat,” allowing others to mistreat us. How practically can we apply these verses to difficult relationships?
4. Why is it important that we, as Christians, follow God’s example in extending grace to the undeserving? How might this result in good?

He Lives // Canvas and Clay // Homecoming // Finished Work of Christ

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