MAY 15

HEALTHY SPIRITUAL ALIGNMENT

                                                     

Spiritual alignment is the bedrock on which all else is built in marriage, partnerships, and friendships. Spiritual growth in the same direction connects you to the Source of love, and helps you learn to lay down your life for the other, to sacrifice, to serve, even when it’s not “better for you” because you’re doing it to please God. 

Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Think back on a hard season in life that was made easier by a friend, family member, or spouse who was spiritually aligned (or on the same page about faith) as you? How did that alignment help in the situation?

2. What stood out to you from the message?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.

a.) Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):

 • Who is talking? What is the circumstance? 

• Any repeated phrases? 
• What surprised you? 
• What stood out to you? 

b.) Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean) 

• What questions do you have?
• Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points? 
• What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this? 
• What do you learn about yourself or the world around you?

 c.) Now make some applications (what’s my response) 

• How do you respond to what you are reading? 
• How could this apply to your life today? 
• What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this? 
• Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?

4. If you are married or dating, do you have spiritual alignment with your significant other? If yes, how has being aligned spiritually strengthened your relationship? If not, how does that impact your relationship?

5. If you are hoping to date someone, do you trust that the God of Love is able to find a partner for you and that you don’t have to compromise your beliefs to find them? Why or why not? 

6. What have you learned from the series that you want to apply in your own life/family/business? Where are you still struggling or need clarity?

KEY SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all   knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

DIGGING DEEPER

1. As we wrap up this series, take some time this week to really capture what you have learned and what you want to apply in your life. Don’t let this be a topic you were challenged by in the moment, but not changed by. Ask yourself these questions and talk with God about your responses: 

a.) What was I most challenged by in this message series about Healthy Relationships? 

b.) Where do I struggle most to honor God in my relationships? 

c.) Where have I made progress to have healthier relationships? 

d.) What do I need to apply to my life and relationships going forward? 

i. Where do I need more help?

ii. What change will be required to make this happen? 

iii. Who can help me or hold me accountable?

e.) What is my next step? 

2. Write out a prayer asking God to help you have healthier relationships.