Mission Community Guide • Week of 11/15
Options for Engagement Before Group
Introduction
The goal of the Christian life is to love well. Jesus was aware that true spirituality included not only loving God, but also the skill of loving others. Growing into an emotionally mature Christian includes experiencing each individual, ourselves included, as sacred, or as Martin Buber put it, as a “Thou” rather than an “It.” We are called to relate to those around us through the lens of their infinite God-given worth and value. The key to doing this is remembering who we are in the first place--that we are the beloved children of God. When this focus is in place, we are able to truly notice and pay attention to others and we are able to serve those around us by listening well even during relational conflicts.
Discussion Questions
What obstacles, difficulties, or successes did you experience in meeting with God this past week?
What are some of your challenges when it comes to loving your neighbor and loving yourself?
How can you “practice the presence of people,” within an awareness of God’s presence this week? What might this look like?
In times of conflict, what have you found to be most helpful and/or unhelpful as ways to respond?