Relationship

Perichoresis is a term used to describe the Holy Trinity as a divine dance. The qualities of being all-knowing (omniscient), all-powerful (omnipotent), and ever-present (omnipresent) are exclusive to God. Don't expect humans to be able to meet that standard and don't wait till Heaven to know God, live with Him now. Know Him well to prevent any awkwardness of meeting someone you barely know at the gates of Heaven. How we navigate our relationships on earth impacts our faith. "I'm sorry" is powerful. Other relationships will impact your marriage. Don't fight to get someone but fight for the betterment of that someone.

Apathy is lonely. Information is good but the Holy Spirit transforms! God doesn't need you He wants you. It is His free will and desire to create and love. Intimacy is a shared experience, not just telling each other but happening together. Have a Godly perspective for the person you're with. Uplift your children as Jesus did. Your earthly family does not compare to your brothers and sisters in Christ, all who believe are included. (Romans 8:9) A Hebrew word, nep̄eš, was described to us as having three parts (desire, choice, and renewal). The first is impulse where "I choose what I desire", the second is reflective where "I choose what is good", and the third is embodied where "I choose naturally".

We are willing to forsake the call of Christ to be accepted. Brokenness is split into four points. (Genesis 3:8-13) The first is shame ("I hid"), I am bad. The second is fear (I was afraid because I was naked"), cover up. The third is disconnect ("the woman you put here with me"), yet Adam says, (Genesis 2:23). The fourth is blame ("she gave me some.."), victim mindset. Poison tastes sweet. Sexuality is not a bad word, it's a righteous word. Intellect is not above mental and relational maturity. Do we filter our affection as the Greeks did with 'phileo' being friendship, 'storge' being familial, and 'eros' being sexual?

There is a crazy amount of stuff God can do while we're single if we're willing! Don't look for a perfect bandaid. Own where you are and don't desire to be somewhere else. Don't look for the one, be the one! Steer clear of superficial. Speak up when something bothers you. When you feel sexual desire, you are lacking something, ask God what you need. Just because you want to, doesn't mean you should. (Philippians 4:8) Is your relationship with the Holy Spirit better than if Jesus were in the room? Don't you want that? Allow God to steward you into the next season. Think 'Is this important to God?' God's view is to promote others, but the world's view is to promote self. Have humility.

Notes taken during Barry & Letitia Gager's lecture