We should lead with grace, work to understand other perspectives and take a stand against injustice.
Talking Points:
- The first guideline is to think like Jesus. As Christians, we develop the mind of Christ by spending personal time in prayer and study of God’s word, the Bible. Philippians 2:12-18
- The second guideline is to correct when necessary. We should give others the benefit of the doubt and ensure that we are seeking to correct, not to aggravate or to foster division because we are offended or angry. Ephesians 4:15
- The third guideline is to extend grace. Are we willing to be reconciled to others, or are we simply desiring to be “right?”
- The fourth guideline is to make disciples. We are to follow Jesus in thought, word, and deed. We must be reproducing more disciples and those disciples are to be doing the same. Matthew 28:19-20
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Has someone ever insulted or hurt you out of ignorance or unawareness? Explain.
- Have you ever said or done something hurtful without intending to do so, and someone corrected you? Explain.
- Read Philippians 2:12-18. Identify all that this passage calls believers to do. What does it mean that the Christian life is “an inside-out experience.”
- “The body of Christ should be the headlights of the world, not the tail lights.” What does this mean? What does it look like practically?
- Read Ephesians 4:15. How can you graciously correct people when they say offensive things? How would you want someone to approach you when you say something offensive?
- Read Matthew 28:19-20. How can making disciple makers impact the racial divide in our society?
- What does it mean to have an “eternal perspective” when it comes to dealing with issues of race and with other contemporary social and human rights issues? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
This is part of the Steps Toward Racial Healing series.
