Why do relationships feel so hard?
You try to be patient, forgiving, and loving, but no matter how much effort you put in, some of your relationships still feel frustrating, distant, or harder than they should be. What if the problem isn’t that you’re not trying hard enough – but that you’re trying too hard?
In this message, we are closing out the Transformed series by looking at what silently holds relationships back and how God invites us to something better. The key to strong, life-giving relationships isn’t about striving, fixing, or forcing change – it’s about staying connected to Jesus and allowing Him to do the work in us.
If you missed the live service or want to reflect further, you can watch the full message above anytime after. We’ve also included discussion questions to dig deeper into the message and a handout with fill-ins to guide your reflection. You can find the handout by clicking the “Download” button above. Whether you watch this on your own or share it with your small group, we hope this message encourages you.
- What are some ways fear shows up in relationships, and why do we often not recognize it?
- Why do you think our natural response to fear in relationships is to hide, get defensive, or try to control?
- Genesis 3:10 says Adam hid because he was afraid. What are some ways people hide in relationships today, and what are they really afraid of?
- How does defensiveness damage relationships, and why is it so hard to admit when we’re wrong?
- What are some ways people try to control others in relationships? Why do we feel the need to be in control?
- What does it look like to give people permission to fail in relationships? Why is that so difficult?
- How does truly receiving God’s love change the way we love others?
- Why is staying connected to Jesus essential for healthy relationships? What happens when we try to love others without staying close to Him?
- What is one relationship in your life where you need to move from striving to thriving?
- What is one step you can take this week to let go of fear and live more fully in God’s love in your relationships?
