Church notes - 9th October 2016

[fardell24]

9th October
Vital Signs
Colossians 3:12 - 17
Previously - Acts 2:42
The Spirit was flowing through the people, giving them life.
Relationships are important
- They aren't perfect. We yearn for better relationships.
- Healthy relationships add to a sense of wellbeing
- Bring enormous value
Relationships are put at risk
- Wrong priorities
- Dishonesty, judgement, gossip
- Trust is important!
- Thoughts not in the right place

Philippians 2:1 - 5
He came into the world for our benefit, not His
We need to have the same attitude.

Romans 15: 1 -3
He is the creator, but he is also a servant. He is our servant. He gives much more than we can give Him.
Implications
- Looking for a friend we can serve rather than serve us.
- Looking for a church - where we can serve.

Colossians 3:12 - 17
How well are we exhibiting these behaviours.
Compassion
- It starts with people you don't like
- Jesus responded with compassion
- Listening to their circumstances
Kindness
- More than 'just being nice'
- Encouragement - building into another person
- 'A healthy relationship should be a place of exceptional encouragement'
Humility
- More about how I treat other people than how I treat myself
- Allows us to say 'I am sorry'
Gentleness
- Confrontation is important. But we don't have to be angry or impatient
- Jesus confronted the woman at the well with gentleness.
- Gossip destroyes
- Gentleness builds
Patience
- 'I am prepared to be in this relationship for the long term'
- If God wasn't patient, we wouldn't be saved.
Forgiveness
- If you are unable to forgive someone who hurt you, you wouldn't be healthy spiritually or emotionally.

We need to pray for each other regarding these characteristics.