Relationships:   God’s Design & Godly Boundaries

 Objective

 Help us understand:

• God created us for relationships
• Not all relationships are healthy or God-honoring
• There are times when letting go is necessary
• How to protect spiritual and emotional well-being

Part 1: God Never Meant for Us to Be Alone

Foundational Truth

• Genesis 2:18: “It is not good that man should be alone…”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: Two are better than one… they help each other up

Teaching Point

God created us for:

• Connection
• Support
• Community

“Isolation is not God’s design—relationship is.”

Part 2: The Purpose of Healthy Relationships

 Biblical Characteristics

• Love – 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
• Encouragement – Hebrews 10:24–25
• Growth – Proverbs 27:17 (“iron sharpens iron”)

Teaching Point

Healthy relationships should:

• Build you up, not tear you down
• Draw you closer to God, not away

Part 3: When Relationships Become Harmful

Warning Scriptures

• 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character”
• Proverbs 22:24–25: Avoid those given to anger
• 2 Timothy 3:1–5: Avoid toxic, destructive people

Teaching Insight

Not everyone in your life is:

• Assigned to you permanently
• Healthy for your spiritual or emotional well-being

“Some relationships are seasonal, not lifelong.”

Part 4: When It’s Time to Let Go

Biblical Principles

• Romans 12:18: “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone”

Key phrase: “If it is possible” — sometimes it isn’t.

• Amos 3:3: “Can two walk together unless they agree?”

Teaching Point

You may need to step away when:

• The relationship is consistently harmful
• It pulls you away from God
• It damages your peace, identity, or purpose

How to Explain It to Others

“God values relationships—but He does not require you to stay in relationships that destroy you.”

Part 5: Protecting Your Mental & Spiritual Health

Key Scriptures

• Proverbs 4:23
  “Guard your heart…”
• Galatians 5:1
  “Stand fast in the freedom…”
• Matthew 11:28
  “Come to Me… I will give you rest”

Teaching Insight

Protecting your peace is:

• Not selfish
• Not unloving
• It is wise and biblical

Balance: Love Without Losing Yourself

Teach This Clearly

• We are called to love people
• But not to lose ourselves in unhealthy relationships

“You can love someone and still set boundaries.”

Pastoral Application

Encourage others:

• Pray for wisdom in relationships
• Evaluate who influences their life
• Trust God when letting go is difficult

Discussion Questions

1. Why did God say it’s not good for man to be alone?
2. What are signs of a healthy vs unhealthy relationship?
3. Why is it sometimes hard to let go of certain people?
4. How can we set boundaries while still showing love?

Closing Summary

“God created us for relationships, but not every relationship is meant to last forever. Healthy relationships build us up and draw us closer to Him. When a relationship becomes harmful, God gives us wisdom and permission to step away, guard our hearts, and walk in peace.”