Life Group study content

THIS WEEK’S MAIN IDEA:

Most of us know healthy communication is critical for any marriage or friendship. We also know it is hard to maintain, and even harder to restore when it has gone sour. The love of God for us gives us a model we can follow, and the love of God in us gives us the power to restore and strengthen our ability to communicate openly and honestly with those we care about most. God has made available to us the resources and tools we need to build lasting and satisfying relationships, but it is up to us to put them into practice.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Matthew 5:43-45; Ephesians 4:29-32; Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:14-16; Colossians 3:8-10; Colossians 4:6

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

Communication can be a big struggle in any relationship whether with a partner or friend. Today, with texting there are even more opportunities for miscommunication. Share a story of a situation caused by a miscommunication. Especially if it’s a funny story!

EXPLORE

1. Read Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 4:31-32 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
It is often easier to hold onto times we’ve been hurt than to let them go. Discuss ways you can make forgiveness a habit in your life.

2. Read Colossians 3:8-10. Conflict can be scary, and it can be easy to agree with others when we shouldn’t to avoid conflict. Discuss how not telling the truth to avoid conflict can lead to greater conflict later on. What are some small ways you can be more honest in your day-to-day life?

3. Read Colossians 4:6, and Psalm 19:14. Sometimes in arguments we can be more focused on planning out what we are going to say next, over listening to and understanding the other person, because it is human nature to want to win the argument. Can you think of a time you have been hurt because the other person only wanted to win the argument? How can you practice being more mindful of what the other person is saying? What are ways you can practice approaching disagreements with an attitude of grace?

STRETCH

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