Discussion Guide
Last week, we talked about putting God first in every area of our lives. This week, we’re zooming in on relationships, especially marriage, but this isn’t just for married couples. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, the foundation is the same. God’s design for relationships doesn’t start when you say “I do” it starts with who (or what) you’re building your life on right now. The truth is, every relationship is being built on something. The question is: will it last? This week we’re looking at what it means to build relationships God’s way; strong, steady, and centered on Him.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What was your worst cooking fail?
2. Read Matthew 7:24-27. According to Jesus, what makes someone “wise” in how they build their life? What does being “wise” look like in a relationship? When pressure or conflict hit a relationship, what does it reveal about the foundation you’ve built on? What are some signs its “rock” verses “sand”?
3. Read James 5:16. Discuss what happens when we pray for each other? How are the prayers of a righteous person described? How can vulnerability actually strengthen trust instead of weakening it in a relationship?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. What instruction is given if one spouse is a believer, and the other is not? What does it look like to live out your faith in a relationship where your spouse may not share the same beliefs or level of commitment? What possible outcome is mentioned in verse 16?
5. Read Matthew 22: 37-39. What is the first and greatest commandment? What is the second and how is it similar? How does loving God first actually shape the way we love a dating partner or spouse in practical terms?
Action Step: This week, choose one intentional way to put God first in your relationship. That might look like praying for the other person, pausing to seek God before reacting, choosing patience instead of frustration, or showing love through a small, intentional act. The goal isn’t perfection—it's making a deliberate shift to reflect God in how you love.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What am I building my relationship on right now? Where might I be relying on myself instead of trusting God?