Rule of Life: Relationships

Part 5 | Return to Developing a Rule of Life

We are relational beings, created by a relational God for relationship. What relationships form our community before God? Who walks the way of Jesus alongside us? And what are we doing to create, nurture, and deepen relationships of vulnerability and accountability? 

Daily examples

One meal with others | We were made to eat. Food is meant to bind us to God, neighbor, and creation—but we live in a culture where our eating habits keep us apart and increase our isolation. The habit of making time for one communal meal each day forces us to reorient our schedules and our space around food and each other. The more the table becomes our center of gravity, the more it draws our neighbors into a gospel community.

Build on what you already do | Invite someone into the things you already create time for (gym, studying, meals, hobbies, etc).

Weekly examples

One hour of conversation with a friend | We were made for each other, and we can't become lovers of God and neighbor without intimate relationships where vulnerability is sustained over time. In habitual, face-to-face conversation with each other, we find a gospel practice; we are laid bare to each other and loved anyway

Weekly meal with community after church | Head to church with friends and then make it a regular habit to share a meal together afterwards.

Serving together | Be intentional about time spent serving your community together.

Recommended baseline practice | Commit to a weekly meal with your community and some daily and weekly touchpoints with your closest friends and/or family members.
If you’re new to this practice, we recommend you start with a weekly get together with a close friend to connect at an intentional soul level.

Reflection Questions

• What practices make up your current rule of life (official or unofficial) with regards to relationships?

• What practices would you like to add in, cut out, or change?

Fill out the chart below with your small, actionable goals for this upcoming month.

Additional Resources

Jesus’ Call to Community | Community E1 podcast by John Mark Comer

Part 5 | Return to Developing a Rule of Life