Is it normal for Christians to have doubt?
Talking Points:
- Doubt is something all of humanity deals with, Christians and non-Christians alike. It is good to remember that doubt is normal and okay. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus has risen from the dead and some of his followers still had doubts. If even those who walked and talked with Jesus had doubts, it is certainly understandable that we in this day would face our share of doubt.
- The fact that the Bible includes doubters speaks to the validity of the Bible. It shows how our humanity makes us susceptible to these challenges.
- Accepting that doubt is a normal part of our humanity can keep guilt from piling on top of the struggle we already have with doubt. Just because someone is a Christian does not make them immune to doubt, and being able to accept that means that you can begin moving toward healing and growth.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever struggled with doubt? What happened?
- Read Matthew 28:17-20. Why do you think this instance of doubt was included by the author of Matthew?
- Why does guilt often accompany Christian doubt? How can guilt get in the way of actually handling doubt?
- Who are some other people in the Bible who struggled with God or his plans? How can their stories help us today?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
