Professional Documents
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Special Topic - Interpersonal Relationships
Special Topic - Interpersonal Relationships
I. OPENING THOUGHTS
A. God created man for fellowship. This shows us God's desire. Man is made in His image and needs
fellowship also (cf. Gen. 2:18).
B. There is a tension between self and others (cf. Gen. 3:8-13). This tension forms the basis of interpersonal
relationships.
C. God loves each of us individually but He also loves mankind collectively. We must also follow this
dichotomy.
We must love ourselves (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-34; Rom. 13:9) but also
others (I Cor. 10:24; 13:5;
Phil. 2:2ff). Personal filfullment must be linked to God's larger purpose (Gal.
4:19; Phil. 2:21).
D. Scripture is primarily a relational book not just a doctrinal guide book or systematic theology. It will give
us
examples which are meant to form principles (example: John 13:34 — a new standard for love). The
Old and
New Testaments must be viewed in a progressive as well as foundational relationship (cf. Matt.
5:17ff).
E. How God acts is how we should act. However, God knows men's hearts and, therefore, knows we do not
relate to others in a trusting and forgiving way. People are priority. We must not let ourselves become the
focus
or center of all things.
F. Proverbs forms a unique revelational model for practical daily guidelines for interpersonal relationships.
The following illustrations may be helpful:
(5) 27:10 (a good friend who is close is better than a brother who is far away)
b. negative
(3) 25:27 (do not visit too often or stay too long)
A. Proverbs emphasizes success but acknowledges that having less, but with love, is best (15:17; 17:1).
B. Proverbs must be balanced with the New Testament. There is a development from "love your neighbor"
to
"love even as I have loved you" (John 13:34).
C. People are priority with God! They must also be so with His children (I John 4:20-21)!