1.  Was there a fairy tale, a movie, or TV show, when growing up became the picture in your mind of what the ideal relationship or family should look like to you?

 

2.  Do you have an example of how God helped you work through a difference in a relationship that helped that relationship go deeper? Do you have an example of God bringing you into a relationship with people, who you naturally might not relate to but through Jesus you grew in love with?

 

3.  Which of the barriers mentioned do you feel God might be especially speaking to you about to deal with:

 

a.  Accepting people who you might naturally tend to judge.

 

b.  Facing an issue with pride in relationships. How might God be telling you to bring more humility to a relationship?

• Admit your struggle

• Ask forgiveness

• Be less stubborn

• Quit comparing myself

• Not being so picky or critical

 

c.  A relationship in which I have been selfish in

• Exploring ways to complete more than compete

• Being a better listener

• Showing up

• Expressing thanks and appreciation more

• Offering to serve and not give into laziness

 

d.  Overcoming insecurity

• Letting walls down

• Not letting hurts from the past be an excuse for making relationships in the present

• Taking the risk of exposure

• Facing where I tend to take things to personally

• Justifying aloofness

 

e.  Overcoming resentments and being willing to forgive

• Facing up to the fact that there is a person or hurt in my past I’ve still let imprison me

• Ignoring little foxes (irritations) building up in a relationship that create distant

• Noticing a hardening in my heart and attitude that is causing distance with a person or God

 

4.  What would be something you might ask for prayer for to be able to overcome an obstacle you need to overcome in community?

• Courage to have a kind and honest conversation

• healing, confidence, grace…