The brokenness of sin leads to the brokenness of relationship. Relationships are the foundation of how God created mankind. Satan’s plan is to attack relationships by bringing despair, pain, unresolved conflict, anger, strife, and a lack of forgiveness. The pain that is felt in this life can leave a person crippled. The effects felt through the despair of divorce through unfaithful spouses leads to widespread disconnect of students without hope. If a person cannot even trust their family, who can they trust? Many students ask this question. What do we do about the rampant brokenness relationally that people feel more and more? How are we to respond as the church to the pain that plagues relationships in the family, church, community and the world? How do we engage students that have seen marital failure, substance abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse and more? Jesus is no stranger to the pain of brokenness of relationship. He felt the ultimate pain of brokenness over sin through the cross.

Healthy relationships are crucial for long-term growth. In today’s culture people often learn to focus upon independence and easily become isolated. Isolation is growing although we are more connected more than ever with technology. Jesus connected with people by pouring into the disciples throughout his ministry. People are in need of a trusted friend that will speak God's truth into their situation.

Here’s a few ways to build solid relationships with people:

To be able to see potential even before the person realizes their potential. It is being able to assume the right assumptions about people.
To respond instead of react to personal conflict. Relationships are filled with conflict.
To be aware that decisions that are made not only affect the current generation but also future generations.
To be willing to ask the right questions about people. Don’t listen to gossip but go to the source.
To spend time with people listening, encouraging, and asking questions about their life.
To listen more than talk.