Relationships are Important
Q. Why the words “connect” and “us” and the idea of “you?”
A. We value developing authentic relationships.
Core values make clear the reason the church does what it does. They drive the church to accomplish its mission. We want our values to align with the Bible so that what we do honors God and leads us to accomplish the mission that He has called us to. Over the next 5 days leading up to the first vision night we will be taking a look at our values.
The value that we are highlighting today is developing authentic relationships. Having quality friendships. Having people you can trust and rely on. Having others care about you and make you feel known. Knowing that there will be someone there for you no matter what and walk with you through whatever life brings your way. I think we pretty much all desire this. But how do we make these things happen? Who actually lives this way?
I think we’ve all experienced being let down by someone that seemed to disappear when you needed them the most. Maybe you realized that their love was just “pretend” when it came down to it. Paul tells the followers of Jesus in Rome, and by application us, to “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” (Romans 12:9 NLT). He goes on to say that we should “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” These verses are hitting at the idea of authentic relationships. We don’t want to pretend. We want to really love. Be genuine. And authentically delight in honoring each other.
But again, who lives this way?
Jesus said to this followers, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). We don’t just wake up one day and have great quality relationships. Even being Christians and going to the same church doesn’t mean that you really love one another in a way that honors Jesus.
This is why at ConnectUs Church we want to develop authentic relationships. Relationships grow over time. Relationships develop through getting to know someone more and experiencing life with people.
Developing authentic relationships also takes intentionality. As a church we want to create environments where authentic relationships can develop. We value the ability for you to share your story, to pray with people, and encourage one another. When you do these things you are developing your relationships. We will create places where you can do this regularly.
Unfortunately, when you are authentic and open with people you are going to be let down… even at church. That is why the value we are going to talk about tomorrow is so important. It might even be a little unexpected how it all works together. Paul encourages us to “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:17-18 NLT). We need this instruction because people do evil things and people get out of peace with us. That’s life. But as a follower of Jesus we have a powerful calling to develop authentic relationships that can make it through anything!
Developing Authentic Relationships. Romans 12:9-21.
We engage in small groups of people to build quality relationships where we are able to share our stories, pray, and encourage one another.