“It’s not that they can’t see the solution. They can’t see the problem.”
-Father Brown, GK Chesterson’s detective priest
a. Spiritual Segue Idea (SSI): How do you handle the negative emotions like disappointment or shame? Did you know God is a God of redemption? (Read/discuss Psalm 103, Isaiah 61:1-3, Romans 9:33, and/or 1 John 2:28, possibly share your own story and/or favorite verses on this topic) What about your “happy” emotions? What’s the difference between happiness and joy, and why might it be important to differentiate? (Read/discuss Psalm 28:7, 34:5, Romans 15:13, John 15:11)
2. If you suddenly found the courage to do one thing you’ve been afraid of doing, what would you do?
a. SSI: How can your identity in Christ or knowledge of God’s character give you courage? (Read/discuss Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 118:5-7, and/or Joshua 1:9, possibly share your own story and/or favorite verses on this topic)
3. If you had to eliminate one emotion from your life, what would it be?
a. SSI: Have you thought about how the Spirit’s work in our lives equips us in this? What are some practical ways you can turn to God when you feel this emotion? Are there examples in the Bible that speak about this? (Read/discuss Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; possibly share your own story and/or favorite verses on this topic)
4. What is your family like?
a. SSI: Do you think your family dynamics affect the way you see God as Father or Jesus as Brother? Is it easy for you to think of God as a good Father? What are your thoughts on the Biblical references to our identity as a son or daughter of God? (Read/discuss Psalm 68:5-6, Matthew 6:25-32, Luke 11:13, 1 John 3:1)
5. When have you felt the most loved in your life? (This will also give you a hint about their love language – e.g. if they remember getting a note, their love language is probably words of affirmation, so to go the extra mile, you could write an encouraging note too! For more on love languages, see The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.)
a. SSI: Have you ever felt loved by God? If so, when? If not, what would you need to experience to know that God loves you? (Begin praying for this faithfully!) (Read/discuss Isaiah 43:1-4, Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 8:31-39, 1 John 4:7-19, possibly share your own story and/or favorite verses on this topic)
6. If God were to whisper one thing in your ear, what would you like Him to say?
a. SSI: Be sure to have a few of your personal favorite promises from God or phrases He’s said to you to share! Also, be sure to listen for the longing behind what they want to hear when choosing verses to share with them. For example, if they want to hear, “This is my child whom I love and with whom I am well pleased,” share verses like 1 John 3:1!
7. What type of person do you have the most compassion for? Why?
a. SSI: This is a great launching point for discussing the application of our faith. (Read/discuss Matthew 9:36-38 or James 2:14-26, possibly share your own story and/or favorite verses on this topic)
