I. Introduction:

Illustration: Recently, in CNN there was a survey. The people were asked to choose the “most-hated gadget” from Cell phone, PDA, and Alarm clock. Almost above 95 % voted for "Alarm clock". Why? Because we do not like something that wakes us up. Even though we wanted to be awake and ask the clock to wake us up, we bang the clock when it does that. Right! The reason is we are very much wired like that. God desires CHANGE in our lives, relationships, mode of operation etc.

II Timothy 3:16 (Amplified Bible Version):

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action).

1.    Putting things into practice by the power of the Spirit Phil 4:20.
2.    God is pruning our lives to meet his standards. Example: jack fruit
3.    When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives He stirs us. Example: Spirit of the living God. When the Spirit stirs us we stink.
4.    Examples: Man- holes.
5.    You brought an elephant to your home when it was little you thought it is cute now it has grown and you have placed it in your living room and you cannot keep your eyes closed. You have to deal with it.

II. Christianity is all about relationships
Illustration: T-mobile
1.    When men became enemies of God he also became enemies of people (Cain & Abel). When men become children of God reconciliation with people began.

2.     The true relationship starts from “I” not “U” example: I Corinthians 13 about “Love”.

III. The Christian’s Relationship towards believers, Romans 12: 3-5
v. 3: Do not think more highly but to think with sober judgment according to the measure of faith given by God. I. Pharisee & the Tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). We need to humble ourselves (I Peter 5:5).

v. 4: Illustration of a human body: As every part of a body has direct access to the head, we as members are connected to the head of the church, Christ.

v. 5: We need each other. We are not independent, but interdependent.

IV. The Christian’s Relationship towards to the Society (believers and unbelievers): SINCERE LOVE
I. Relation to those in Christian Family
v 9: (NIV) Love must be sincere; (NAS) Let love be w/o hypocrisy (1 Cor 13:1~13), (1 Jn 3:18).

v 10: Affectionate love. Be devoted to one another + brotherly love = Respectful love. (Phil 2:3).
  
v 11: Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord (Titus 3:14).
 
v 12: Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Rom 5:1~5).

v 13: Liberal love (James 2:15,16), (1 Jn. 3:17), (Gal. 6:10)
    
II. Relation to those outside of the Christian Family
v 14: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Matthew 5:46~48)

III. Getting along with people both inside and outside the Christian Family
v 15: Sympathizing love (1 Cor 12:26).

v 16: United love (NIV) Live in harmony with one another (NAS)(KJ). Be of the same mind toward one another (Phil 2:1~4) (Phil 3:15) (1 Co 1:10) Condescending love. Associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Pro 3:7).

v 17~18: If someone has done wrong towards us,
1.    Repay no one evil for evil (Matthew 5:38~45). Illustration: My accident.
2.    Respect what is Right.
3.    If it is possible, live at peace with anyone.

Wisdom comes from heaven (James 3:17)
v 19: Vengeance is God’s, not ours’ (Deut. 32:35) (Eph 4:26,27)
v 20: Be ready to show kindness (Prov. 25:21,22)
v 21: Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good

IV. Relationships strains for several reasons
1.    When expectations are not met. Meaning: I want things to go in the way it want to go and if it fails…I am offended. “Ordering my own world”.
2.    Putting too much Dependence / Trust in Men’s ability. Psalm 121, Joseph and Kinsmen
3.    The attitude of I must be served even at the expense of other’s life.
4.    When friends become our idols.
5.    When there is no balance in our relationships. Sometime we spend more time and some times we do not care.
6.     If you do not serve my interests then I will not befreind you.

V. How can we handle this by His help then?
1.    Base Christ in your relationship. He is the foundation of live and relationship too.

2.    Do as you received. Ex. Forgiveness. Parable of the forgiven servant when strained relationship restored, there must be a change ex: fall season and spring.

3.    When God blesses you, be a blessing to others …not necessarily to the person who was a blessing to you.

4.    Be respectful to each other (Romans 12 later part).

5.    Acknowledge the ways that your friendship is valuable.

6.    Do not delay to Compliment when something good happens (when you complaint when things went wrong from your view point).

7.    God blesses us so that we could in turn be a blessing to others.