Loving People Where They Are | Exiled (why I left the church)
1. Toby started his message off by asking a few questions. Read the following questions and answer them with your group.
- How do you know if you are growing in your faith?
- How do I know if I am becoming more like Jesus?
2. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Matthew 4:19
In your own words, define what it means to be a “fisher of men”?
3. Many times, we describe walking with Jesus the “right way” by listing out the things we are not doing anymore. But, what are some of the things you are choosing to do to walk closer with Jesus?
4. Fisherman go where the fish are. They use their boats to go where the fish are–they don’t wait on the banks. When have you had the opportunity to go out and meet needs where people are-when you have gone to meet the needs of someone right where they are?
5. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Jesus says that we should love one another. How comfortable are you with loving people that may not see things the same as you see them?
6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Many times, control has deep roots in mistrust. Trusting God with all aspects of our life is a process. How easy is it for you to take care of the little things and let God take care of the big things? How often do you try to control all of it?
7. Jesus caused lots of storms by loving people that nobody else loved. The way Jesus loved people was counter culture. He was in relationships with people that may not have held the same values as He did-but He met their needs right where they were. He was anchored to God. He was anchored to who God called Him to be. How do you love people that may not have the same values as you and stay anchored to the person God has called you to be?
8. This week, how will you show the love of Jesus to someone who may not see things the same way you see them? Share what you will do this week with your group.