Session A-Josh McDowell
Thursday Morning
115R “Truth can Transform”
RULES without RELATIONSHIPS leads to REBELLION
TRUTH without RELATIONSHIPS leads to REJECTION
DISCIPLINE without RELATIONSHIPS leads to ANGER
Building relationships builds an advantage
1. No guarantees
2. It is never too late
3. Some kids are literally born hard to raise
7 Principles for building relationships
1. Affirmation-sense of authenticity (Romans 12:15)
a. Don’t use Scripture as a buffer to building relationships
b. Apply Scripture, don’t just quote it
c. Let them know you understand
2. Acceptance-sense of security (Romans 15:7)
a. We are dealing with emotional problems at home by using chemicals at school
b. Do I acknowledge effort as much as I acknowledge success?
c. The secure a person is, the more vulnerable they are. The more vulnerable they are, the more transparent they will be.
d. Be careful that unconditional acceptance doesn’t lead to wrong behavior
3. Appreciation-sense of significance (Matthew 3:17)
a. Significance is the feeling or thought that you’ve ‘done’ or ‘said’ something worthwhile
b. Catch them doing something right and show them appreciation
4. Availability-sense of importance (Matthew 19:13-14)
a. What are you doing to be a winner in the eyes of your kids?
b. When is the last time you really did what is most important?
c. Availability shows your kids that they are important
5. Affection-sense of lovability (John 15:12)
a. Verbally express affection
b. Express appropriate physical affection
6. Approach their world-sense that you are interested in what they care about (I Corinthians 13:5)
a. Be aware of what they are interested in so that you can identify with them.
7. Accountability-sense of responsibility
a. Reasonable rules and boundaries in the context of a relationship
b. You have to earn the right to criticize