Hot Relationships

02 / Sun  | Read Romans 12:18

Overview: Nothing “steamy” here (besides the weather). No, we’re talking about “heated”—as in heated arguments. How do we “bring down the temperature” when we find ourselves upset or angry with others?

03 / Mon – A tempting situation  |  Read 1 Samuel 24:1-12 and 16-22

God had rejected King Saul and chosen David to be the next king. Although he was loyal to King Saul, David’s many victories in battle caused great jealousy. King Saul repeatedly tried to kill David, so he was forced to run for his life. What happened when the king unknowingly walked into the cave where David was hiding? Why didn’t David take advantage of the situation? King Saul did not obey God’s ways, yet David respected his position as the Lord’s anointed king. How do you respond to those who are out to get you when you’ve done nothing wrong? Will you take the high road?

04 / Tue – Quick to be offended?  |  Read Proverb  19:11

Do you get offended easily when someone doesn’t treat you right? That’s quite common, but read this wise advice. Think about a time when you were too quick to react. What do you wish you had done differently? When tempted to be offended, consider that there may be other factors at play. A wise person will pause, maybe ask a question, and be slow to respond. In what relationship would it be good for you to put this advice into practice?

05 / Wed – Family dynamics  |  Read Luke 15:11-32

Family members can be some of the most supportive you’ll ever experience. But not always. What complicated dynamics were revealed in this story? What motivated the younger son? Why do you think the father agreed? What was unexpected about the father’s response to his son’s return? Why was the older son so offended? Was he justified in his reaction? Who do you identify with the most? What might the Lord be saying to you about your specific situation?

06 / Thu – Avoid the trap  |  Read 1 Peter 2:21-23 / 1 Peter 3:9-12

It is popular in this culture to follow the eye-for-an-eye rule. Do you experience that strong urge from time to time? What happens when you give in? How can you avoid falling into that trap? What was the example that Jesus set for us? Remaining calm in highly emotional situations is the best thing you can do. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t defend yourself when attacked, but it does mean you keep your own emotions under control. Don’t add fuel to the fire, and it will be more likely that you can resolve the issue. And when you cannot, entrust it to the Lord.

07 / Fri – Consider the source  |  Read Ephesians 6:11-12 / James 4:7 / John 16:13

While there are legitimate reasons for conflict, the devil can often exploit them in an effort to destroy the relationship. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy whatever is good. He can insert thoughts into your head that misinterpret what you hear and see. His goal is to lead you away from the truth. How can you tell when that is happening? The most reliable way is to ask the Holy Spirit to show you. It is called discerning the spirits. Where would this be helpful right now?

08 / Sat – What rolls off your tongue?  |  Read Proverbs 12:18 / Proverbs 21:23 / James 3:2

Words can hurt or build up a relationship. Truth is important, but even more so is the way truth is spoken. It takes great self-control and much practice to keep things to yourself that should not be said, or at least, not said at that particular moment. Not every thought that enters your head needs to come out of your mouth. Your greatest asset in any ‘hot’ conversation is learning to pause for a deep breath before answering. Asking the Holy Spirit to speak through your mouth is the surest way to better conversations.