Discussion question for September 9, 2016.

We talked about having tough conversations with a spouse.  What about your co-workers?  How do you engage in profitable conversation with them? What helps you see the world through their eyes?  How do you avoid distractions or derailments in your conversation?  What is your goal for the communication?  How is it different when you talk with your children, or other relatives?

Discussion question for September 2, 2016.

Last week we talked about the need for regular conversations to turn up offenses and potential conflict.  What are the ingredients you need for a safe environment?  What does your spouse need to feel safe?  How do you introduce a tough topic without triggering an immediate negative response?  When do you have deep and meaningful conversations?

Discussion question for August 12, 2016.

Jesus said that the one forgiven much is able to love much.  What stands in the way of you receiving forgiveness?  How would you explain the difference between receiving forgiveness and forgiving yourself?  How do you know what needs to be forgiven?  What do you do if a person (not God) refuses to extend forgiveness to you?

Discussion question for August 5, 2016.

Jesus said that if a brother holds something against you, go straight away to be reconciled with your brother.  How do you know when someone holds an offense against you?  What do you do to identify that offense?  How do you ask for forgiveness?  What do you do if your attempt at reconciliation is rebuffed? How does forgiving others change your life?

Discussion question for July 29, 2016.

We agreed last week that the strength of your identity is the most important factor in your ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries and limits.  What helps you seek forgiveness when you have crossed a limit?  How do you forgive others for invading your boundary?  When it is appropriate to defend, and when should you forgive?  What is the difference between forgiveness and tolerance?

Discussion question for July 22, 2016.

Last week we talked about boundaries set for others compared to limits set for ourselves.  How do you communicate boundaries to others? What responses are appropriate for defending boundaries?  Under what circumstances can they be moved or changed?  How can you know if your boundaries are set because of your own weakness that should be overcome?

Discussion question for July 15, 2016.

Christians are called to live in community but not without regard to proper boundaries.  What boundaries have you set with co-workers or neighbors?  What boundaries are appropriate in families?  How about church families?  What basis do you use for setting them?  How do your boundaries affect your vulnerability, openness, and ability to love one another?

Discussion question for July 8, 2016.  Note: No Meeting July 1

We recently talked about prayer and Bible reading disciplines, and how they affect our lives.  How do you discover promises from God?  What promise(s) are you claiming that has (have) yet to be fulfilled?  How do you know a promise is yours, or if it belongs to someone else?  What has been your most effective way of learning His promises?

Discussion question for June 24, 2016.  Note: No meeting on June 17.

We agreed on the value of the spiritual discipline of prayer, but what about reading Scripture?  When do you find time to read and meditate?  What is your favorite way to read?  What has been successful to get you into God’s word more?  How do you keep His word in your heart, and apply it to your life?

Discussion question for June 10, 2016.

We agree that fervent prayer changes us and moves the heart of God in a good way.  How intentional are you about talking with God? What do you do to organize your prayer life?  What tools do you use to keep track of your prayer requests?  What do you do to keep track of your praises?  How do you keep from “mindless repetition” versus “earnestly seeking”?