Why Can't We Be Friends?
Jesus said the world would know we were his disciples by how we love one another. So why is it that we have such a hard time getting along? Why can’t those of us who claim to love God be friends?
3. Summary
JUNE 17--It’s pretty easy to get wrapped up in getting our way in life. But the hard cold truth is that peace often comes at the price of personal sacrifice. It did for Jesus; it will for us.
- How good would you say you are at setting aside your freedom to promote peace?
- What are some ways you have created an environment for growth for another person in your life?
- How do you know when God is empowering your life? How do you know when He is directing your life?
- Describe what your purpose of life actually is. How does that compare to what Paul describes in this passage? What might that mean for your life going forward?
2. Preserve
JUNE 10--Unity is one of the distinct earmarks of God’s people. Jesus prayed for unity, the Holy Spirit creates unity, and unity is part of God's end goal when He gifts some (to be apostles, prophets, pastors, etc.) to equip us for good works. Still, for all the attention God has paid to it, why is it so easy for us to destroy it? What attitudes can we adopt to be peacemakers, not unity breakers?
- Have you ever been tripped by one of the three trip wires? Have you tripped someone else? Describe what happened.
- Describe a time you have seen unity broken by the way people pursue their convictions.
- What would it look like if you were to flaunt your freedom/conviction in front of others? How can you hold your convictions without flaunting them?
- How can we live out this passage and not be afraid that everything we do might offend someone or cause someone to stumble?
1. Don't Judge
JUNE 3--While the gospel teaches us about grace, too often our experience in the church teaches us about a feeling of judgment. What we desperately need to discover is a means of living in accountability with each other while not inappropriately judging.
- What are some of the reasons you are tempted to judge others unjustly?
- What grid do you use to determine if a conviction you hold is universal or personal?
- Would you say that you live more for God or for yourself? How might that affect your judgment of yourself? Others?
- What are some of the reasons you find it hard to leave the judgment of other people’s choices to God?
