The Secret to Healthy Relationships
Closer — Part 4
Les Parrot
June 11-12, 2016
1. Profound Significance
"I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17b-19(MSG)
Action Plan: Spend a few minutes each day this week reading the truths of Ephesians 3:17-19. Try to commit it to memory so that you can easily remember your roots in God's love for you.
2. Unswerving Authenticity
"I want you to get out there and walk — better yet, run! — on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere." Ephesians 4:1b (MSG)
Action Plan: This week try paying attention to your internal dialog — that little voice in your head. Recognize when your dialogue is negative and stop and use that time to talk with God – surrender your thoughts to him. Remember Philippians 4:8; maybe write down the verse and keep it somewhere easily accessible for when you catch yourself thinking negatively.
3. Self-Giving Love
"Pour yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences." Ephesians 4:2-3 (MSG)
Action Plan: Take a few minutes at the start of the week to think of a couple of ways you can go the extra mile this week. Partner with a friend or loved one to keep yourselves accountable to follow-through.
