Scripture Passage: 1 John 3:10-18

Today’s passage offers practical advice on how we can cultivate healthy relationships in our lives. This passage also cautions us to watch for how others might be engaged in unhealthy relationship with us.

Red Flags in Relationships

1. When I’m disconnected from God | 1 John 3:10
You can focus on yourself or you can focus on God. The very nature of our faith draws us into relationship. It compels us to love one another because of how God has loved us.
As you move closer to God, you move closer in relationship with others.

2. When I see others as competition | 1 John 3:11-12
Biblical competition is about building up whereas my natural instinct is to eliminate the competition.

• Are you a life-giver or a life-taker?

• One of our habits is to bless. Do you let others know every week, every day that God loves them, that you invest in them?

3. When I settle for words | 1 John 3:13-16
You need to back up your words with actions. My natural instinct is to show reciprocal kindness—you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours. But my supernatural instinct is to show sacrificial kindness—not worried about what I’ll receive in return.

John talks about agape love which is selfless and kind. Loving is not what you get out of a relationship but what you give.

Discussion Questions

• Am I in healthy relationships with other people? Do my relationships reflect the love of the Father or reflect red flags?

• Have I been loving others in the same way that God loves me?

• Have I received the extraordinary gift of love that God has offered me?