Discussion Guide 6

Developing Relationships

By Pastor Bong Baylon Discussion Guide No. 6

Communication Introduction

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elcome to the sixth session of DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS. By now we have covered a lot already. But we are just halfway in our journey. If you have been applying each Scriptural teaching diligently and faithfully, by now you would have matured tremendously. But we still need to discuss five more ingredients. The first of these is communication. In session 2, we talked about the need to be honest or transparent. But often we discourage each other from being honest or transparent because we don’t know how to communicate. We are so busy formulating our own thoughts that we fail to understand what people are really trying to say. We jump into conclusions without first checking. We misinterpret each other’s words and consequently misjudge intentions or motives. The result is a lot of hurt feelings. We need to learn how to communicate well if we want to develop relationships with other people.

Icebreaker Question: What do you usually do when you feel misunderstood?

Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:14-16, 25, 29-32; 5:3-7, 15-20 Discussion Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Why is communication so important in developing relationships? Based on Eph 4:14-16, what would happen if there’s good communication in the body of Christ? What are the challenges of speaking truthfully to one another? (Eph 4:25) Based on Eph 4:29-32, how should we govern our speaking to one another? What should we avoid in our conversations, according to Eph 5:3-7? How can we apply the teaching of Paul in Eph 5:15-20? Based on these passages, what changes do you need to make in your speaking and listening habits?

Application: 1. 2. 3.

If you think someone in the group is not speaking truthfully, challenge him or her. Agree together that you will only speak the truth in love. Come up with ground rules concerning your communication as a group. What are the things you will avoid? What will you promote or practice? When someone is talking or sharing, let everyone listen. Then ask questions to clarify your understanding.

Assignment: Choose the next person who will share his or her life testimony in your next meeting. Pray for that person. Call or visit each other during the week so you can talk truthfully.