Starting a New Chapter in a Challenging Relationship… Again!
October 23, 2022 / Pastor Kyle Bonenberger / City ChurchTHE TEXT: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
4 things that are absolutely necessary to start a new chapter in a challenging relationship… again.
- Two-way , two-way , two-way , and two-way .
| 2 Corinthians 7:2-5 | Jeremiah 33:3 |
- Personal progress in terms of handling and .
| 2 Corinthians 7:6-9 | Psalm 55:22 | Isaiah 41:10 | John 14:27 |
- Godly (not ) that leads to genuine .
| 2 Corinthians 7:10-13 | Psalm 103:12 | Isaiah 1:18 | Romans 8:1 |
- A commitment to the as long as both parties are trying to move .
| 2 Corinthians 7:13-16 | 1 Corinthians 13:7 | Philippians 2:3-4 |
Small Group Questions
What Do You Think?
- Have a few group members read through the message points from this past Sunday to jog our collective memory.
- From Sunday’s message, what particular point stood out to you, challenged you, or raised a question for you?
The Story of Your Life.
- Two-way listening was one of the things mentioned as being vital to relationship progress. What people in your life cause you to feel “heard”? How do you try to “hear” others when the friendship is a bit challenging?
- On Sunday, Pastor Kyle mentioned that personal progress in terms of overcoming conflicts and fears is vital to start a new chapter in any relationship. In what ways have you personally progressed in terms of handling both of these in the last year or two?
Digging Deeper in God’s Word.
- One of the most famous stories of relational forgiveness in the Bible is between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery when he was younger, but through a series of God ordained events, Joseph became the second most powerful person in Egypt under Pharaoh. Read the story that describes how Joseph forgave his brothers in Genesis 50:15-21. Have a few members of the group recap the main tenets of the story and answer the following questions.
- What does this passage reveal about God and people?
- If you were in Joseph’s position, what would be the most difficult part for you after forgiving your brothers who betrayed you?
- What do you think made it easier for Joseph to seek restoration in his relationship with his brothers?
- The following verses give us some really practical advice on how to move forward in challenged relationships. Do not go through them quickly! Take some time to think/talk through them one at a time and share how each one specifically offers guidance on moving forward when there has been a hurt.
- Job 6:14.
- Proverbs 17:9.
- Proverbs 27:5-6.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
- John 15:12-14.
- Hebrews 10:24-25.
- In light of these verses, is there anything God is asking you to change or do this week?
Personal Reflection and Application.
- Have everyone share one thing someone else mentioned that struck a chord with you from the discussion.
- Break up into smaller groups and pray for one another (preferably men with men and women with women).