Unit G

Relating to People

Sections

Relationships with other people are involved in just about every part of our lives. Note surprisingly then, the Bible has many significant and helpful things to say about how to relate to other people (including people outside of our church).

Love

I.Love

Love others as you love yourself – which sums up God’s law

But all of these [commands] are summed up in the command that says, “Love others as much as you love yourself.”   Romans 13:9b CEV

Act according to what love involves

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.   1 Corinthians 13:4-7 CEV

Show mercy, and God will show you mercy

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.   Matthew 5:7 NET

Forgive others, and God will forgive you

If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you.   Matthew 6:14 CEV

Justice

II.Justice

Do what is right

Do what is right and fair …   Proverbs 21:3a GNT

Defend the needy

Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.   Proverbs 31:8 GNT

Provide for the needy

“If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”   Luke 3:11b CEV

Common Relationships

III.Common Relationships

Love family members

[Paul, speaking of women in the church:] In this way they [older women] will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, …   Titus 2:4 NET

Respect your parents

Respect your father and your mother …   Exodus 20:12a GNT

Obey the governing authorities

Obey the rulers who have authority over you.   Romans 13:1a CEV

Serve your employers wholeheartedly

Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart.   Colossians 3:22b CEV

Spreading the Gospel

IV.Spreading the Gospel

Tell others the gospel message about Jesus Christ

Philip began to speak, and starting with this same Scripture, he told the man the Good News about Jesus.   Acts 8:35 NCV™

Tell people how they should respond

[Paul:]  I warned both Jews and Greeks to change their lives and turn to God and believe in our Lord Jesus.   Acts 20:21 NCV™