Understanding
Psalms 139:1-4 - "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord" (NIV).
Romans 8:26-27 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will" (NIV).
Philippians 2:1-2 - "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (NIV).
1 Peter 1:22 - "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" (NIV).
The aim of our relationships should be that we grow in understanding of each other. As our understanding of one another grows, so grows our relationship. We can have a lot of acquaintances. But, it's when we gain deeper understanding of each other that we are able to cultivate rich relationships.
The foundation of understanding in relationships comes from our Father. He was planning on us from before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4). He knows us inside and out. The Father created our inmost beings (Psa. 139:13). He definitely understands the way we think and feel. We gain great security knowing that our Father understands us.
It is very important that we seek to understand others. Being intentional in this provides a safe place for relationships to grow. In this place of security, there is freedom to receive and give correction. There is freedom to be yourself. The heavenly Father gives us this freedom. And we can give this freedom to each other, as we seek understanding. Sometimes, we think that we know everything about people… especially those in close circles of relationships. But, the truth is, there is always more about a person to know. It just takes some intentional work. The best way to do this is through question asking. The questions mean that you care… that you want to go deeper in relationship.
For More Study
Thoughts and Questions for Application
Memorization
Psalms 139:1-4 - "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord" (NIV).
Romans 8:26-27 - "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will" (NIV).
Philippians 2:1-2 - "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (NIV).
1 Peter 1:22 - "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" (NIV).
The aim of our relationships should be that we grow in understanding of each other. As our understanding of one another grows, so grows our relationship. We can have a lot of acquaintances. But, it's when we gain deeper understanding of each other that we are able to cultivate rich relationships.
The foundation of understanding in relationships comes from our Father. He was planning on us from before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4). He knows us inside and out. The Father created our inmost beings (Psa. 139:13). He definitely understands the way we think and feel. We gain great security knowing that our Father understands us.
It is very important that we seek to understand others. Being intentional in this provides a safe place for relationships to grow. In this place of security, there is freedom to receive and give correction. There is freedom to be yourself. The heavenly Father gives us this freedom. And we can give this freedom to each other, as we seek understanding. Sometimes, we think that we know everything about people… especially those in close circles of relationships. But, the truth is, there is always more about a person to know. It just takes some intentional work. The best way to do this is through question asking. The questions mean that you care… that you want to go deeper in relationship.
For More Study
- Psalm 139
- Romans 12:9-21
- Philippians 2:1-18
Thoughts and Questions for Application
- It is easy to walk in rejection when we have often been misunderstood. We think that "no one" understands us. Remember - there is always One who completely understands you. Don't walk away from Him.
- Have you plateaued in your relationship with any members of your family? In other words, have you stopped seeking to know them in a deeper way? What can you do to gain greater understanding with those people?
- Practice stretching today in relationships. Be a question asker of others. Specifically, approach someone who you often see, but do not often talk with. Strike up a conversation. You can keep the conversation flowing with questions about the other person's life. This demonstrates great value in the other person. The Father rejoices that you value what He values.
Memorization
Psalms 139:1-4 - "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord" (NIV).
HOME | ABOUT | TODAY'S STEP |
|
© 2023 stepstudyteach.com
All Rights Reserved. You are encouraged to use this content for personal devotions, small groups and church groups. It may not be re-published or sold at any time. |