Let’s promote what really matters in relationship building so what we say about caring for one another gets underscored and begins to sink in. Teaching goes beyond our words to what we exemplify and promote, or fail to promote, in our Bible classes.
We can say God designed the Church to be devoted to one another in love (Rom. 12:10), to love as He loves (Jn. 13:34). The classroom environment, however, may teach otherwise.
Acrostic of What Bible Teachers Need to Promote as Important for Relationship Building
Relationship building in the Bible classroom is about helping students learn to care for one another that leads to being “devoted to one another in love” (Rom. 12:10) as God intends. This acrostic will help us remember what’s important to promote if this is going to happen.
R – Reaching Out matters
Help the class be other-centered. Cliquishness leads to dysfunctional relationships and divisiveness which is not the kind of devotion God desires (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:3-7; Gal. 3:28). — How can we encourage inclusion of those who attend but are on the fringes? What kind of projects can we do as a class to reach out to those not in our group?
E – Example of Jesus matters
Point to Jesus as the standard. We’re to love as He loves us (Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 4:19). As teachers we too must exemplify a caring attitude but even that’s about being able to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1) — Are we communicating how “wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:18)?
L – Listening matters
We need to be “quick to listen” and “slow to speak” (James 1:19-20) to prevent misunderstandings in our relationships with one another. Also, it’s hard to be concerned when others suffer or rejoice with them in good times (1 Cor. 12:25-26) if we don’t listen. — Have we established criteria for sharing and discussion that keeps some from monopolizing and encourages all to listen as others speak?
A – Attitudes matter
Self-righteous or superior attitudes put us above others and cause us to respond in ways that are for our own benefit rather than others. Since “even Christ did not please himself” we need “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (Rom. 15:1-6). — In our teaching, do we get beyond outward conformity to examining the heart?
T – Truth matters
Authenticity builds devotion to one another (Eph. 4:15; Col. 3:9; 1 Jn. 3:18). — Are we building a safe environment in which people feel they can be real, one in which love accompanies truth that must be spoken?
I – Interest matters
Reciprocity in relationships requires “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil. 2:4). — Do we provide time for students to get to know each other better, to become more aware of the concerns and needs of others?
O – Openness matters
Being judgmental or showing favoritism fails to extend God’s love, grace, and mercy (James 2:1-13) so critical to relational health. If we don’t accept one another (Rom. 15:7), we probably won’t care about each other or even want to build a relationship. — What can we do to show that each person has value and belongs no matter what?
N – Nurturing matters
We need to keep sowing good into relationships for them to grow (Gal. 6:7-10). Neglect leads to weakened relationships, not devoted ones. — What are ways to keep efforts to build relationships fresh and important?
S – Serving matters
Ministering to one another results from the realization that life isn’t all about “me” and “my” rights and needs (Gal. 5:13-14). We each have a part in helping one another grow (Eph. 4:16). — What kind of emphasis are we putting on students applying what they’re learning by serving one another?
H – Humility matters
Until we learn to “in humility value others above” ourselves, we’ll be too into ourselves to truly care about others (Phil. 2:3). — What are we doing to communicate that in Christ we’re all equal and each person matters as much as the other?
I – Interaction matters
Because of our fellowship with Christ, we can enjoy fellowship with one another (1 Jn. 1:7). By definition, fellowship (koinonia) is about sharing with one another. — Does our methodology and even seating arrangement promote or stifle interaction?
P – Practicality matters
We love by actions, not just words (1 Jn. 3:18). It isn’t enough to just say we care. — How are we encouraging students to act on their love for one another?
S – Sacrifice matters
Relationships sometimes cost us time, effort, and/or resources to be there for one another (Jn. 15:12-13; Acts 4:32-37). — Are we setting a good example by making ourselves available?
For more, go to: Relationship Building in the Classroom – Teacher Training Resources