AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 12
Juicy Morsels + Overwhelming Sorrow (1|2)
Pages 145-150 (end reading at: …different kinds of sorrow.)
2 Corinthians 2:1-11 (ESV) Paul writing to the church of Corinth about pain and forgiveness is read on page 147.
Galatians 6:1-6 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
“For most of us, it’s much easier to talk negatively ABOUT people than it is to talk negatively TO them.” Why do you think/feel this is the case?
“Sometimes, individual and unrepentant offenders need to be dealt with decisively, not out of malice or bitterness, but out of protection for the flock of God.” Have you experienced or witnessed church discipline done well or poorly?
“Death is an enemy, an invader of God’s good creation, a power that entered the door opened by sin, and as such, Satan is the architect of death.” Have you thought about death in this context before? What is your response to this statement?
“We have to grow in discernment as to where our responsibility starts and ends - our words, our presence, and our way with others can either enhance their joy, and with it their safety, or can increase their pain, and with that, their vulnerability.” What are your thoughts/feelings about the statement Stef is making?