Healthy things grow. What makes the church healthy is grace - extending a gift without requiring anything in return.
Talking Points:
- The Christian community should look different than other social groups because of grace. It’s hypocritical to receive grace and not to give it. Mt 18:32-33
- Giving grace helps the whole church flourish and grow. Grace unlocks spiritual, relational, and emotional health. James 5:16
- We won’t win people to a message of grace by using methods that are anti-grace. Christians are called to share good news, not to rant about how people ought to live. Col 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What would a grace-filled environment look like in a marriage? In a family?
- Read Hebrews 12:15. What does this verse present as the opposite of grace? Explain.
- Have you heard someone express negative views toward Christianity? What reasons did they give?
- Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. Can you give examples of how Christians have spoken with (or without) gentleness and respect to non-Christians?
- Do you agree or disagree: “God doesn’t call us to try to correct the behavior of society.” Explain your answer.
- Read Matthew 9:10-13. Why was Jesus’ behavior so scandalous to the Pharisees?
- Do you think Christians in our culture are more like Jesus, or more like the Pharisees? Why? Why is it important to remember that the Holy Spirit convicts, not us?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
