Explanation
This is your reaction to encountering resistance. How do you react when someone or something is hurting or hindering you? How do you react when someone or something is “getting in your way” of what you want to accomplish? Do you demonstrate grace, mercy, tolerance and forgiveness? Are you slow to anger? Are you understanding and even sympathetic towards others and their faults? Do you understand that like you they are fallen and in need of acceptance, love and forgiveness? On the other hand, are you quick to take offense? Do you hold on to grudges? Do you lash out in anger or even violence, or do you withdraw into a smoldering resentment and bitterness? Do you have a hard time letting things go? Do little things bother you? Do people frequently bother you? Do you view yourself as a martyr or victim? In short, are you able to rise above injuries and offenses to genuinely love others or do you embrace injuries allowing them to impact and change your heart?
KEY SCRIPTURES
Key Scriptures
Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.
Patience
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. NIV
1 Timothy 1:16 – But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. NIV
James 1:19-20 – My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. NIV
See also Proverbs 16:32, & 19:11
Anger
Psalm 4:4 – In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. NIV
Psalm 145:8 – The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. NIV
Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. NIV
Ephesians 4:26-27 – “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. NIV
See also Psalm 37:8 & Ecclesiastes 7:9
Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. NIV
Graciousness
Colossians 4:6 – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. NIV
Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. NIV
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. NIV
Mercy
Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. NIV
Acceptance
Romans 15:7 – Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. NIV
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
Key Scriptures Bible Study
to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together
- Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
- How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
- What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
- Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?
DISCUSSION GUIDES
GROWING EXERCISES
- Do a kind deed towards a person who is hostile towards you or you know does not like you.
- Write a letter of forgiveness towards someone with whom you have a long time broken relationship.
- Identify sources of anger and commit to go an entire week without reacting negatively. For example, I will not yell in traffic, be rude to the customer service representative, or snap at my spouse or children. Discuss how difficult it is to maintain control over your anger.
- Seek forgiveness from someone you have wronged.
- Inventory your family relationships and friendships from over the years. Make a list of relationships are strained or distant because of something that happened. Take steps to mend those relationships.
- Obtain a copy of the ‘Heartsearcher’ prayer guide from your coach and spend at least one hour working through it.
- Identify areas of tension in your family, church, work or neighborhood. Ask, “How can I be a peacemaker and bring reconciliation to this environment.”
- Identify an area of impatience or frustration in your life. Identify the sources of these feelings. Spend time in prayer specifically asking God to reveal the root of this problem in your life. Pray for grace and strength to overcome this issue?
- If there is a feeling or issue you cannot let go of, write a letter to yourself from God outlining how unhealthy your attitude is and why you should give this situation over to him?
- Ask your spouse or best friend to identify areas of bitterness in your life. Inventory your own heart for bitterness as well. Reflect on why you feel the way you do. Reflect on what God’s word has to say about bitterness. Repent and resolve to give these issues over to the Lord.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Making Peace with Your Past by Tim Sledge
- The Raggamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
- What’s so Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancy
- When Good Men get Angry by Bill Perkins
- Anger: Discovering Your Spiritual Ally by Andrew Lester
- Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace by Miroslav Volf
- God and the Victim: Theological Reflections on Evil, Victimization, Justice and Forgiveness by Lisa Barnes Lampman (Editor)
- Growing in Grace by Bob George
- How to be Free from Bitterness and other Essays on Christian Relationships by Jim Wilson