Source SM Recap: Volume #27

Current Series: Facebook OfficialTitle: "New Friend Request" Main Thought: Conflict has the potential to make a friendship stronger—or tear it apart. We decide which.  The Word: Romans 12:14-18, Colossians 3:13

Message Explanation: This whole series is all about God’s “OFFICIAL” plan for relationships, dating and sex.

Facebook Facts: There are just short 1 billion Facebook users in the world.

-250 million photos uploaded daily. - Average number of friends 130. - 845 million monthly active users. -2.7 billion likes every day. -140.3 billion friend connections.

Some people build their lives around social networks. Facebook reveals a lot about us doesn’t it?

People closest to us have the potential to hurt us the most. It is not a matter of if but when you face CONFLICT with others. So how are we supposed to respond to friends?

We will find out how God wants us to build friendships not tear them down.

Christ calls us to a new way of living:

1. You do not have to get EVEN (v. 14) "Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.”

  Pray for your enemies. Live in peace with each other. A true friend stays loyal but also has the GRACE to forgive others.

Jesus didn’t feel like he had to GET EVEN, Jesus always…

2.  Consider others before yourself (v. 15-16) “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

One-Upper: If you are happy, they are more happy. If you are hurting, they are more hurt. ME Monster: selfishness is like every other appetite, the more you feed it, the bigger and hungrier it gets.

The Best way to build OFFICIAL friends that last is to…

3. Forgive others. Period. (17-18) Colossians 3:13: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

 7 most powerful words…“I was wrong, will you forgive me?” or “you hurt me, but I forgive you.” Forgiveness = admit your fault and release them to God. You will become bitter or better in your relationships

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (verse 17-18)

 Without forgiveness it leads to a cycle of revenge that consumes our lives. You will never have to forgive anyone more than God has forgiven you.

Forgiveness is given, not earned.

 When others hurt you – forgive as Christ forgives  Are you hurting other people? Are you at odds with anyone?  Are you looking to take revenge?

Review: A TRUE friend:

-       Does not have to get EVEN -       Considers others as more important than themselves -       Forgives others. PERIOD.

Element of Fun: We showed a video called, "Facebook friend race" as an illustration of trying to add friends on Facebook but missing what true friendship is all about.

Music: Not Ashamed, Praise Him, Always, Jesus Paid it all, Faithful (closing).

Favorite Moment: Students were great to wish me a happy birthday. I'm grateful for all the people who are investing into the students each week.

Planning Center:

What’s Next: We will continue the new series, “Facebook Official” as we talk about God’s plan for dating.