The quest for personal happiness can be exhausting if it means trying to avoid all negative emotions and experiences.
Talking Points:
- In life, we carry with us both the good and the bad things that happen to us. Unfortunately, the bad stuff tends to leave a bigger imprint on our lives than the good.
- When we try to push away the hard things, they ironically become heavier burdens for us to bear. Instead of seeing a hopeful future, we can only see our problems. Matthew 11:28-30
- As we accept the negatives, we are free to live for a greater purpose. When we accept and embrace pain, it becomes easier to persevere through it. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share some of the highlights of your life so far. Share some of the trials you’ve faced in your life. How did those events affect you?
- What are some of the things you do to relax, decompress, or escape from the stressors in your life?
- Do you think it is true that the more we push away our problems, the heavier they become? Explain. How has avoidance created problems for you in the past?
- Share a time you faced a hard situation (e.g. confronted someone who wronged you) and dealt with it head on rather than avoiding it. How did it feel to embrace the hardship rather than trying to run from it? How does embracing your challenges tend to change your perspective about them?
- What do you think it means to live a values-based life? What are some of your values and how can you live those out in your life?
- Read Psalm 139:1-7, 13-16. Share your insights from this passage. How does understanding your value to God change the way you view yourself and past painful events?
- Read Matthew 11:28-30. How has Jesus relieved your burdens in the past? What are some things you can do to turn your burdens over to him more?
- Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. How can you use your story to help and encourage someone else?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
