"Happiness and Healthy Relationships"

            This Sunday, February 14th, we will continue our sermon series on happiness by exploring healthy relationships.  We know from the empirical studies conducted by psychologists and other researches that healthy relationships are a key component for true and lasting happiness.

            The scriptural foundation for our exploration of healthy relationships is 1 Corinthians 13, which Christians have nicknamed “the great love chapter.”  Among the many important insights on relationships is this observation in verse 4:  “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful of arrogant or rude.”  Many people are already familiar with this scripture because it is frequently read at weddings and it does offer very wise advice for newlyweds. 

Yet, when Paul wrote this chapter, he was not thinking specifically of marriage.  Instead, he was thinking of relationships between individuals in general.  So, the advice in 1 Corinthians 13 is pertinent for all sorts of different relationships, including our relationships with friends, parents, children, other family members, neighbors, significant others, etc.  This week, we will use the “great love chapter” as our guide toward understanding how to build healthy relationships that contribute to happiness.  Part of our exploration will include looking at the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships and being able to affirm ourselves as individuals who are profoundly loved by God.

If you live in the Lincoln, Nebraska area and do not have a regular church home, I invite you to join us this Sunday, as we examine ways to nourish healthy relationships that lead to true and lasting happiness.  Christ United Methodist Church is located at 4530 A Street.  Our classic worship services are at 8:30 and 11:00 on Sunday mornings. 

Everyone is welcome and accepted because God loves us all.