Introduction
You may find it helpful for the boys and girls to meet in separate groups, at least for some of your time together. This session explores some of the issues around relationships and how we should best behave towards people we love.
THE SESSION
Begin by explaining that we are going to explore some issues around relationships and see what the Bible has to say. Agree on some guidelines for discussing this subject with sensitivity before you begin. Tell your young people that you are going to read some statements and they need to decide to what extent they agree or disagree with them, by standing along an imaginary line in the room. Statements could include:
• At our age, relationships should just be for fun and nothing serious
• It’s ok to date several people at the same time
• Commitment is just for old people
• I can’t wait to settle down
• There’s too much pressure on me to settle down
• Marriage is a special thing
As they respond to each of these statements, invite them to talk about why they have chosen to stand in a particular position. Play one of the following tracks, choosing the most appropriate lyrics for your young people:
• Track 1: Can’t rely on you
• Track 5: Other woman
• Track 7: Trouble with my baby (contains an expletive)
Say: no matter how ‘serious’ a relationship may be, if we are betrayed by the person who is supposed to love us, it can cause a lot of hurt and pain. Tell your young people that the Bible has some helpful guidance about how we should act towards others, regardless of how ‘serious’ the relationship is. Distribute Bibles and the following references and ask your young people to look at these, ready to feed back what they discover: Proverbs 27:6, Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 7:12, Romans 12:9-10, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 4:8.
As you draw the session to a close, explain that whether we have committed to be with another person in marriage or are just dating, we have a responsibility to treat them in the best way that we can. At this age, they shouldn’t feel under pressure to make a relationship more serious, but in all our relationships, we should honour God in the way we behave towards others. Invite your young people to talk to you after the session about any issues this session may have raised.
