Life Group Announcements
- Baptism BBQ is coming up August 4th at 10 am. If anyone in your group would like to be baptized please ask them to email pastor julian@54.189.185.79. Bring $5 for all you can eat lunch
Life Group Questions
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Facilitator, you know your group the best. Choose to go as deep as you want with these questions, read the room & choose the best course of discussion. It is entirely possible that God will stir up a discussion that is not found in these questions. You don’t have to answer all of these questions together. It’s not an assignment to complete
Make sure to pray together before you start, and invite the Holy Spirit to lead your time together. It’s possible that there are more questions to be answered here then you will have time for tonight. Select the ones that you think will be the most productive for your group.
Summer Series – Week 1
Scripture Context: Colossians 3:13, Matthew 6:5-15
- Where can we find happiness? How is happiness connected to forgiveness?
Q1: What are some events in your life that stand out as prominent teaching moments?
- In work? Relationships? Family dynamics?
What do you think God was speaking into your heart in those moments?
Q2: When people don’t deserve our forgiveness.
- Forgiveness is a choice. (Give to God or Hold on to the grudge)
- Pastor Julian said “Forgiveness is a gift you’re giving yourself.” What does that mean to you?
- He also said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison & expecting the other person to die.” How have you seen this negative attitude hurt the grudge-holder?
Q3: “I know it’s the right thing, but I’m not ready.”
- Why do people choose to wait to forgive?
- Read Matthew 6:12
- What does the phrase “as I forgive” mean?
- Now, read Matthew 6:14-15
- What do you hear God saying about Himself? What is Jesus saying about us? Why is this hard? Why is it so good?
Q4: The Practical Aspects of Forgiveness
- Pastor Julian said, “Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the relationship needs to be the same.”
- Forgiveness is connected to the anger in our hearts. If we’re forgiving the anger is vanishing. But we don’t have to put ourselves in harm’s way.
- How have you seen this at work in your life? Why is changing the nature of a relationship, even while you’re forgiving, so important.
Q5: Forgiveness as a habit.
- Why do we need to be aware of our thoughts when it comes to forgiveness?
- What have you been told about remaining open to healthy relationships when you’re struggling with forgiving someone else?
- There is a temptation to put up walls to protect ourselves, but how does this keep us from living well?
- Pastor Julian said, “A marker of Christian maturity is just how quick we forgive each other.” What does this say to you?
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Closing prayer time:
If there is any unconfessed anger lingering in your hearts, can you make the choice to speak that hurt out loud and seek the strength of your brothers & sisters in Christ to help you navigate toward healing, starting today?
How can you pray for the impact of your group? What can you all do together to impact our community?