After a few days, Jesus went back to Capernaum, and people heard that he was at home. ² So many gathered that there was no longer space, not even near the door. Jesus was speaking the word to them.³ Some people arrived, and four of them were bringing to him a man who was paralyzed. ⁴ They couldn’t carry him through the crowd, so they tore off part of the roof above where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they lowered the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven!”

Mark 2:1-5

Who are the people that can and will take you to the feet of Jesus when you are too tired, or hurt, or broken or distracted to go yourself?  We all need people.  More than that, we need people who will encourage, motivate, and hold us accountable.  Without real connections, we will find ourselves adrift and miserable.  God made us for community. [hear sermon audio]

This week, take some time to go deeper.  Use these scriptures and questions to reflect how you are seeking happiness through Christ.

Texts to read:

• Galatians 6:1-15
• Ephesians 4:25-27
• James 5 (12-16)

Questions to ponder:

• What relationship has had the most significant impact on your faith?
• When you are unhappy, how do you let people help you?
• Do you find it easy or difficult to invest in other people?  If difficult, what makes it hard?

Do and share:

• Write a note to someone you are grateful to have in your life.
• Share a poem or quote about relationships on our Facebook or tweet @dpumc with #happiness2018