RELATIONAL VAMPIRES
Loving the people who suck the life out of you
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
Read Matthew 16:23-26, 4:8
How would you feel if you had supreme confidence that you are doing what God wants you to do?
Is it hard for you to disappoint people?
Will you compromise important parts of your life to appease others?
Are there people in your life that consistently make it hard to follow Jesus?
Consider having a clarifying conversation and explain what you will accept and what you are expecting. Unity on expectations is a sign of healthy relationships - pray and ask God for guidance for your next Biblical step.
WEEK 1
God’s calling gives me confidence
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
Read Galatians 6:1.
Are You Willing to Restore Others with Gentleness? Reflect on recent interactions with those who may have stumbled or fallen in their faith. Were your words and actions characterized by gentleness and a genuine desire for restoration, or did you approach them with judgment or condemnation?
In What Ways Are You Bearing Others’ Burdens? Consider the burdens and challenges that those around you are facing. How actively are you involved in sharing their load and providing support?
Reflect on both practical and emotional support, as well as the willingness to empathize with their struggles.
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.
How do you assess spiritual maturity in yourself and others, considering the analogy of “milk” and “solid food” in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2? What behaviors bring Paul to address immaturity?
Are you willing to argue, fight, or become difficult about things that are out of your control?
Think about one overly needy person in your life. Pray for them every day this week.
Are you willing to give wisely (put your own oxygen mask on before helping others)?
How do you typically respond to criticism?
MAKE THIS MESSAGE WORK IN YOUR LIFE
What do you think this quote by Peter Scazzero, “To feel is to be human. To minimize or deny what we feel is a distortion of what it means to be image bearers of God. To the degree that we are unable to express our emotions, we remain impaired in our ability to love God, others, and ourselves well. Why? Because our feelings are a component of what it means to be made in the image of God. To cut them out of our spirituality is to slice off an essential part of our humanity.”
What is the difference between expressing emotions and being driven by emotions?
How to you typically respond to criticism?
WEEK 3
Sometimes, what people want isn't what they need.
WEEK 2
I will not be driven by emotions I will be led by the Spirit
WEEK 4
We don’t fix people, Jesus does.