Which Relationships Are You Investing In?

Values in Action

January 18, 2026

Summary

God forms His people through relationships, not isolation, and that authentic family requires intentional investment rather than casual attendance. The sermon explores how investment requires trust, honor, genuine care, and authentic listening. Ministry is presented as relational investment where gifts meet needs in community. The central question posed is: 'Which relationships and ministries am I currently investing in?' The message challenges listeners to move beyond surface-level interactions to deep, vulnerable relationships that reflect Christ's love.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask You to open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us about authentic relationships and community. Help us to be vulnerable and honest as we examine our lives and the investments we're making in others. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and show us where we need to grow in loving one another more deeply. May we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and ready to apply Your truth to our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one hobby or activity you've invested significant time in learning, and what kept you motivated to stick with it even when it got challenging?

Key Verses

  • Genesis 2:18
  • Acts 2:42
  • Romans 12:10
  • Galatians 6:2
  • James 1:19
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8
  • Ephesians 4:12
  • Matthew 6:21

Questions

  • Brock mentioned that 'you cannot experience the fullness of life in Christ while remaining relationally disconnected from people.' How does this challenge or affirm your current approach to relationships?

  • What's the difference between attending church activities and actually investing in relationships? Can you share an example from your own experience?

  • The sermon emphasized that trust is built through consistency, not perfection. How does this change your perspective on being vulnerable with others?

  • Brock defined authentic listening as 'not rushing, not minimizing struggles, and not waiting for your turn to talk.' Which of these is most challenging for you and why?

  • How can we better practice the principle of 'caring without conditions' in our relationships at church and beyond?

  • The message stated that 'investment always reveals priority.' What do your current time and energy investments reveal about your priorities?

  • What barriers (fear, busyness, past hurt) might be preventing you from investing more deeply in relationships, and how can we overcome them together?

  • How can we shift our view of ministry from 'programs we attend' to 'relational investment we make'? What would this look like practically in our church?


Life Application

This week, choose one specific relationship to intentionally invest in. Schedule a meaningful conversation (coffee, walk, phone call) where your goal is simply to listen well and show genuine care. Put it on your calendar and follow through. Additionally, if you're not currently serving in a ministry, take one concrete step toward getting involved - whether that's clicking 'serve' on the church app or saying yes to the next opportunity to help.

Key Takeaways

  • God forms His people through relationships, not isolation - we are designed for connection and shared life

  • Investment requires trust, honor, genuine care, and authentic listening - moving beyond surface-level interactions

  • Ministry should be viewed as relational investment where gifts meet needs in community, not just programs to attend

  • Authentic family means no one walks alone, struggles unseen, or serves unseen - we grow by engaging together

  • Investment always reveals priority - where we spend our time and energy shows what we truly value most


Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us into authentic family and community. We confess that sometimes we've settled for surface-level relationships when You've designed us for so much more. Help us to be brave enough to invest deeply in others, to listen without rushing to fix, and to care without conditions. Show us this week the specific relationships and ministries where You want us to invest our time and hearts. Give us wisdom to take faithful steps toward deeper connection and vulnerability. May our love for one another be a testimony to our neighbors of Your amazing grace. Transform us into the kind of church that naturally draws others into Your family through our authentic love. In Your precious name, Amen.