Life Group study content

THIS WEEK’S MAIN IDEA:

Everybody knows that conflict is a part of life, and that no relationship is immune from occasional conflict. What many of us do not anticipate is how easily and how deeply conflict can settle into even the strongest relationships, like our own. How we handle conflict is far more important than if or when conflict will arise. The Word of God provides wisdom we can put into practice, so we are ready to handle conflict constructively, and the Spirit of God provides the power and love that leads us to follow this wisdom and stick to it when we need it most.

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:12-14; Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 5:9; Matthew 18:15-17; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:1 & 18; Proverbs 16:28; Ephesians 4:26-27; 1 Peter 3:8-12; Philippians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

If this is a study week in the rhythm of your group, discuss the questions below from this week’s teaching. Be sure to reserve time at the end of to pray.

CONNECT

Valentine’s Day is this week. Love and friendship doesn’t always go smoothly… Can you share your best or worst Valentine/friendship story or tale?

EXPLORE

1. Read Colossians 3:10-12

a. How easy are these life qualities for you to follow? Is there one you struggle with more than others?

b. Drawing closer to people exposes their faults and these can annoy/frustrate us, but also remind us that we are flawed too. We are instructed to make allowances for faults and to forgive others, just as Christ has forgiven us. For you, is it easier to forgive others or to forgive ourselves/accept forgiveness? Why do you think we have a hard time sometimes forgiving others or ourselves?

2. Read Romans 12:17-18, Matthew 5:9, Matthew 18:15-17

Have there been instances in conflict where you have made an effort to, or prayed for control of what you do and say, or other times when you know you have been out of control? Did you notice a difference in the outcome?

3. Read Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 15:18, Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:26-27, 1 Peter 3:8-12

a. Do you think it’s wrong for us as Christians to be angry? Why or why not?

b. Can you think of any relationships you have seen that model the Spirit leading their response to anger? What stuck out to you? Why do you think their anger response was effective?

c. Have you felt ‘Holy Anger’, when you were moved by an injustice? What did it drive you to do or change?

4. Read Romans 12:19-21

a. God not only instructs us not to take revenge, but instead instructs us to meet the needs and bless those who have wronged us. How do you feel about this? Have you done this exact thing? How did it go?

b. Do you believe that God will right every wrong and bring every person to perfect justice? Reflect on if there is someone/some situation you have to give to God and allow Him to deal with, in His time? (You don’t have to share this information if you don’t want to)

5. Read Philippians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

a. There has been an effort through the pandemic for us to focus on positive moments and gratitude, rather than the negative, since having a negative mindset can impact our health and wellbeing. Have you had experience with either mindset recently, and how did it affect how you felt?

b. We are reminded through Scripture that God sees us worthy of His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Christ wants us to do the same for others, but it is far from easy. Can you think of at least one person this week that you can offer the same courtesy?

STRETCH

What is God calling you to do? What will you do about it this week?