Text: Genesis 1:1–2:25
Topic: God's purpose for relationships between members of the opposite sex

Introduction
• Every single thing God created was called good.
• But God said, "It is not good for man to be alone."
     -Illustration: Miller identifies a number of situations from daily life in which we recognize
     "it is not good for man to be alone."

God created women and men for companionship with one another.
• God created Eve as the solution to Adam's loneliness.
• Eve was the perfect companion because she was made from Adam's side.
• In God's design, men and women find companionship and help in the opposite sex.

We have a tendency to distort God's vision of opposite-sex relationships.
• We can be in relationships and still be isolated.
     -Illustration: A man outwardly complains about having to travel for work, but
     inwardly he appreciates being away from home.
     -Illustration: The speaker isolates himself by escaping to another room to read when
     things become hectic at home.
• We might expect a member of the opposite sex to behave just like we do.
     -Illustration: In "What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage," Amy Sutherland writes
     that trying to improve her husband by nagging only made things worse.
• Illustration: A Chicago Tribune article takes a humorous look at "Rules Guys Wish Girls Played By."
• We might inappropriately sexualize or fantasize about an opposite-sex relationship.
• We might conduct our relationships according to a "point system," in which we only serve our mate when they're serving us.
• We might harbor bitterness or anger from past relationships and project that hurt onto all members of the opposite sex.

Conclusion
• Jesus extends his offer of forgiveness and companionship through meaningful opposite-sex relationships.
• Forgiveness is the first step toward appropriate relationships.