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Join us and our buddy Josh as we have a conversation about dashboard lights and how they affect your life.
Free Indeed Harrisonville, MO
Tuesday 6p
Hope City Church
Free Indeed Blue Springs, MO
Monday 6p
First Baptist Blue Springs
Show notes!
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, including relational struggles.
Just like dashboard lights in a car warn us about issues, there are warning signs in relationships that signal deeper problems. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger damage, but addressing them builds resilience.
Part 1: Understanding Dashboard Lights in Relationships
1. What Are Dashboard Lights?
Explain how they symbolize warning signs like anger, avoidance, criticism, or lack of communication.
Highlight common "lights" to watch for:
Frequent arguments or silence.
Resentment or bitterness.
Feeling disconnected or undervalued.
Scripture:
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31)
2. The Purpose of Warning Signs
Just like a car, relationships need maintenance. Dashboard lights don’t mean failure; they mean attention is needed.
Discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs before they escalate.
Scripture:
"Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." (Proverbs 4:26)
Part 2: Responding to the Lights
1. Ignoring the Lights vs. Taking Action
Share examples of what happens when people ignore relational warning signs (escalation, burnout, or even the end of the relationship).
Emphasize how early action can prevent more significant damage.
Scripture:
"Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray." (Proverbs 10:17)
2. Steps to Resilience
Self-Reflection: Acknowledge personal responsibility.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!" (Psalm 139:23)
Communication: Openly address the issue with the other person.
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Seeking Help: Whether through mentors, counseling, or prayer.
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)
Grace and Patience: Give space for healing and growth.
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
Part 3: Building Resilience in Relationships
1. Preventive Maintenance
Highlight daily practices that keep relationships healthy (e.g., expressing gratitude, spending quality time, praying together).
Scripture:
"Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27)
2. Strength Through Challenges
Share how overcoming difficulties can make relationships stronger.
Tie this back to faith and how submitting to Christ builds resilience in both individuals and relationships.
Scripture:
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Conclusion
Recap the metaphor: Dashboard lights aren’t the problem; they’re the invitation to address the problem and grow stronger.
