4. Living Through Differences

Transcription

1 4. Living Through Differences

2 Start with an Icebreaker Question To start off your small group, briefly share your response to the following question: If you could go anywhere in the world for a week, where would it be and why? Share with your group. Please Read What To Expect Let s get a big picture of what we ll be learning today Each relationship consists of 2 different people with difference personalities and perspectives. Sometimes, differences can cause a strain on our relationships. In this session, we will discuss the importance of understanding our differences and celebrating the uniqueness that God put in each of us. 30

3 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS At this time, please break into smaller groups of 2-4 for the discussion question section. Have a great discussion! 1.) God made each of us unique from every other human being on the planet. All of us can identify with at least one of four basic personality types. See them below: i. Sanguine: Outgoing, life of the party, full of joy and laughter, people love to be around them, loves to tell stories, loves the center of attention, always need words of affirmation. Downfall: Can be disorganized, forget appointments, forgets to pay bills. ii. Melancholy: Deep logical thinkers, orderly, thoughtful, introspective, dependable, strong work ethic, creative, busy as a bee mentality. Downfall: Perfectionist, moody, cynical, sarcastic, critical, nitpicks. iii. Choleric: Takes charge, born leader, unafraid of problems and tough calls. Downfall: Controlling, steam rolls over people, places task above people. iv. Phlegmatic: Hang loose, loyal, likes to enjoy the party, playful. Downfall: Do not like risk, struggle with change, not big on surprises, sometimes lazy. Which ONE of these personality types do you relate to the most? Share with your group. 2.) Think of someone you often don t get along with. Which of the above personality types would you relate them to? Share with your group. 3.) Many of our relational tensions are a result of our personality differences. The devil will attempt to ruin relationships by highlighting the negativity of our differences. The key to maintaining healthy relationships is learning to understand our differences and celebrating the fact that each of us have been uniquely wired by God. Read the scripture below: God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. (Romans 12:6) Take a moment to reflect on some of your relationships. Can you think of ONE relationship that is thriving because you understand your differences and are able to celebrate each others unique wiring? Share with your group. 4.) Is there anyone in your life that you still need to learn to understand how God has wired them and embrace your differences? What will you do to begin this process? Share with your group. 31

4 WHAT WILL YOU DO? Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don t be impressed with yourself. Don t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5) You must know your basic wiring in order to celebrate how unique God created you to be. At the same time, you must be aware of the shadow side of your personality type. As this series comes to a close, commit to becoming the best you that God has created you to be. Be intentional about examining yourself and how God has wired you. Learn to be mindful of your own weaknesses and also be willing to affirm others in their unique strengths. CLOSE IN PRAYER Take a few minutes to close your time together with prayer and to pray for each other s prayer requests. Below is a sample prayer to read if you choose to. You can also choose to write down each other s prayer requests to remember throughout the week. Sample Prayer: Father, thank You for all that we ve learned in this series. As this series comes to a close, help us to apply these lessons learned into our relationships. Even when we experience conflict with others, help us see through the eyes of Christ so that we may celebrate the uniqueness that you ve placed in each and every one of us. We love You Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. Group Prayer Requests: Name Request 32

5 DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 1 S C R I P T U R E Your (God) hands shaped me and made me. (Job 10:8) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 2 S C R I P T U R E God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. (Romans 12:6) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R 33

6 DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 3 S C R I P T U R E Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don t be impressed with yourself. Don t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R DAILY DEVOTIONS: DAY 4 S C R I P T U R E Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) O B S E R V A T I O N A P P L I C A T I O N P R A Y E R 34

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