“What if there’s something better than happiness in your relationships?”
As we continue our series, The Truth Files – The Fruit Is Out There, this week’s message dives into the difference between happiness and joy in our relationships. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that finding the right person will lead to “happily ever after,” but the truth is, even the best relationships face ups and downs. If happiness fades when things get tough, what do we really need to keep our relationships strong and thriving?
This week, we’ll discover that JOY, a fruit of the Spirit, is what truly sustains us. Unlike happiness, which depends on our circumstances, joy is rooted in Christ and remains unshaken even when life gets hard. We’ll explore the “kill-joys” that often sabotage relationships—selfishness, resentment, and fear—and learn how to overcome them by focusing on God’s power and the joy He offers.
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between joy and happiness, and how does that distinction impact how we approach difficult situations in life?
- What are some specific ways we can experience joy in the midst of life’s challenges, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?
- How has selfishness impacted your relationships in the past, and how did it affect the level of joy in those relationships?
- What are some practical steps we can take to overcome selfishness in our relationships?
- In what ways have you seen resentment eat away at the emotional energy in a relationship, and how can forgiveness restore joy?
- How does fear create barriers in relationships, and what steps can we take to trust again after being hurt?
- Reflect on the three joy killers—selfishness, resentment, and fear. Which one do you find yourself struggling with most in relationships, and why?
- What does it look like to “focus on giving rather than receiving” in your relationships, and how does that lead to joy?
- How does trusting in God’s plan for your life enable you to find joy, even when things don’t go the way you expect?
- What role does perspective play in maintaining joy in your relationships, and how can we shift our focus to God’s power rather than our problems?
