Leader 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
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”?
Leader: The difference between the house that stands and the house that falls isn’t the storm—it's the foundation. In dating and marriage, building on the rock means consistently aligning your choices, priorities, and responses with the teachings of Jesus especially in the small everyday moments. Seeking God first, not about having a perfect relationship, but practicing obedience together. Overtime we will build a relationship on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ our Rock.
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?
Leader: This verse reminds us that healing in relationships doesn’t come from hiding—it comes from bringing things into the light. In dating and marriage, creating a safe place for honesty and prayer builds deeper trust and invites God into the relationships in a real transformative way.
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?
Leader: Be sensitive here; this passage speaks to the influence of a faithful life, not enduring harm. If someone is in an unsafe or abusive situation, encourage them to seek help and support. You can’t control another person's faith, but you can consistently reflect Christ through your actions, attitudes, and love. Your example often speaks louder than words, and God can work through that in way you may not see immediately.
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?
Leader: Jesus lays out the right order, love God first, then love others. When that order gets flipped, relationships tend to carry pressure they are never meant to hold. But when our primary focus is on loving God, it reshapes how we love people. With patience, sacrifice, and humility—creating healthier, more stable relationships grounded on the rock, Jesus Christ.
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?