Reflection Options  

Journal  (reflect on one or more of these questions)

• There are times when we should remain loyal in the commitments that we have made to others, and times it would be wiser to change the commitment or to bring closure.  How do you think you can tell the difference? Journal about a time you ended a commitment and it was a wise decision. Journal about a time you broke a commitment and later regretted it.

• The bible says God is faithful and keeps his promises.  However, a promise kept may vary in timing or details from what we expect or hope for.  Journal about a time God was faithful to you but at first it didn’t feel like He was being faithful. How can you keep a promise to someone even if you shouldn’t do it in the exact way they hope for?

• Where is it hardest to remain faithful over time (a job, a relationship, a commitment to worship, etc.)? What is difficult in that for you? How have you turned to Jesus for help in that situation?

Quote Interaction  (Agree, disagree or otherwise engage with the quote/quotes)

• Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.  (Socrates)

• The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment.  (Joshua Harris)

• Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?” “Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand.  “I just wanted to be sure of you.”  (A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh)

• Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.  (William Shakespeare)

• Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.  (George Eliot)

• Beginning well is a momentary thing; finishing well is a lifelong thing.  (Ravi Zacharias)

Reading and Reflection from the book, Shaping The Journey of Emerging Adults: 

• Read “Negotiating transitions: Is the grass is greener?” (pp. 191-193).  How does living life “transitionally” affect your ability to approach things with a sense of loyalty? Where is it hardest for you to gain a sense of loyalty: relationships, job or church?

• Read the story about Mr. Genor (pp. 140).  Where is it most difficult for you to see the effect of your faithfulness in a job, friendship or commitment?  How does an inability to see the difference you are making affect your motivation to remain loyal?

• Read "Reflect on the benefits of relational consistency" (p. 162). Make a list of benefits of relational consistency that you have experienced in your life.  How might that list help you "hang in there" in a current situation?