People’s top two biggest regrets at the end of their life:

  1. I wish I stayed in touch with my friends.
  2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.

 

Hebrews 10:24-25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

Reasons We Struggle to Prioritize Relationships

  1. We get busy.

 

Jesus had His core 12. (Mark 3:13-14)

 

Jesus also had His core 3. (Matthew 17:1-9)

 

  • If we find ourselves in a really busy season, we should lean into our core relationships, rather than pull away.

 

  • When we invest into good relationships in our life, the reward always outweighs the investment.

 

Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

 

2. Pain

 

  • The enemy would love nothing more than to cripple us because of our relational pain and stop us from community that can strengthen and help heal us.

 

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

 

  • We may have been sinned against by someone close to us, but scripture encourages us to keep on loving deeply. Not a sloppy love that enables abuse, but don’t let our hearts close off towards building a healthy community in our lives.

 

How to Strengthen Our Core Relationships

 

  1. Make a list of significant people in your life.
  • Who are your core 12 relationships? How about your core 3?

 

Ask yourself these questions:

a.  “Historically and consistently, who has shown up for me in life in my times of need?”

b. “If something were to happen to me right now, who would drop what they’re doing and be there for me?”

 

2. Structure your time with others.

 

  • Belonging doesn’t just require time, it requires intentionality.

 

Mark 5:25-34

 

Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to the fellowship . . .

 

  • Devoted – persistence, consistency, and intentionality
  • Koinonia – active, dynamic participation in relationship

 

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

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