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Review this week's message.

Key Thought:

To heal our land we must first listen to one another.



Key Quote

“If you’re bothered by someone who doesn’t look like you, you’re really going to be uncomfortable in Heaven.” - Pastor Bil Cornelius

“Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
  • If you could have been alive for any event in history what would it be?
  • What’s an invention that you’re surprised hasn’t been invented yet?
  • If you could meet one key figure from a major historical event (besides Jesus) who would it be and what would you hope to learn from them?
  • What “big news” event from the past do you remember most?



Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
  • How can a lack of listening negatively impact a relationship?
  • How can someone let their voice be heard about something that frustrates them in a God-honoring, biblical way?
  • What does it feel like to be heard without judgement?
  • How does fear impact our perceptions of the world?



Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
  • Do you believe that you can be more open to hearing about things that make you uncomfortable? How can you use it as an opportunity to show Christ’s love?
  • What can you do to listen without judging points of view that differ from your own?
  • How have you seen God remain faithful to you in uncertain times?
  • What is one practical thing you can do to turn to God in times of uncertainty and fear?



Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.

Dear Jesus, thank you that in a divided world you can bring unity, order and healing. We ask that you use us to show your love to our community and nation. In your name we pray, Amen.



Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
  • In a world that is quicker to speak rather than to listen, now more than ever is the time to slow down and respectfully hear someone else’s point of view. This week, allot time to sit down and listen to someone’s opinions that you don’t agree with. Rather than listening to respond, listen to understand.
  • What we consume can negatively or positively shape how we view others, whether it’s movies, games, music, or on social media. Take an inventory of what you’re consuming, then ask God to show you if any of it is distorting or negatively impacting how you view people, and if so, let it go.
  • Think of someone who you disagree with on a specific topic, then ask them to discuss it with you. Put your focus on listening to understand the other person’s perspective rather than convincing that person of your own arguments.
  • “The only thing evil needs to succeed is for good people to do nothing.” As a LifeGroup, commit to standing in the gap and doing the right thing in all circumstances. Ask God to honor this commitment and protect you when you choose to take action.


Scriptures

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 ESV

With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Proverbs 3:5 CEV

My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you. James 1:19-21 CEV

...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 NASB