YOUR BELIEFS MATTER AND PEOPLE MATTER MORE
Icebreaker: Describe a time when you had to have the “Last Word – Final Say”
Introduction:
Each individual carries a belief system within themselves and it works to provide answers, meaning, and a basis upon how we live our lives and interact with others. Conflict often arises when we interact with others who do not have the same or a similar belief system. This causes a tension in regard to how we treat others. If we mistreat others, there is likely a problem within our belief system.
If your beliefs cause you to mistreat people, then something is wrong with your beliefs.
- What are some indications that an individual has been or is being mistreated mentally, spiritually, or emotionally by another person?
- What usually happens to the relationship over time between the individual who mistreats and the person who has been mistreated?
- What do you believe causes a “Christian” individual to mistreat or hurt another individual (i.e. family, friend, associate, etc.)?
- Is it necessary for the relationship between a “Christian” individual and the one who has been mistreated be restored? Please explain why or why not?
Matt 5:23-24 – 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
5. Who is the responsible party to seek “forgiveness” within the relationship? Please explain your reason(s) as to whom should seek the forgiveness.
Mark 11:25 – 25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
The nature of negative or sinful beliefs is the ability to be controlled by them, resulting in sin against others.
Genesis 4:6-9 Then the Lord said, …If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it” … “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Notes: In Pastor Dave’s message, he discusses how your negative core beliefs cause you to sin against others. (A) General Definition – Core beliefs are the general principles and assumptions that guide an individual through life which can be both positive and negative.
Negative Examples from Pastor Dave’s message: (i) Judas and “money” – Matthew 26:14, John 13.29; (ii.) Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, and “ambition” – Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1ff, (iii.) Biblical reference – see Colossians 3:7-9 …anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language,… (C) Other examples: (iv) small man complex, – “I am not good enough”, (v) perfectionist, – “I must always be right”, etc.
6. What do you believe would be the benefits of identifying your negative core beliefs?
7. If you were to identify one or more of your negative core beliefs, describe which one of following methods would provide you with the most reliable results? (spiritual journaling, observing your words, emotional interactions, conversations with others, repeating life events, etc.)
8. (Personal) Is there a negative core belief that you need to take to God and begin to work on?
9. If you discover one of your “core beliefs” as not being pleasing, what are the steps you would take to make a change in that belief? What might be some obstacles you will encounter during the journey of change?
Sin can result in two murders: Relational and Physical.
10. How does a relational murder look like a physical murder?
11. Have you experienced a relational murder and how did you respond?
Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
12. What are some simple gestures that you could show to others indicating that you recognize their worth? (i.e. a wave, sharing of a snack, etc.)
Value people without compromising your beliefs or your identity.
Note: Positive or Biblical core beliefs help us to restore relationships with God and others. Positive core beliefs may include God is true in Christ Jesus, God created us in His image, life is sacred, God loves us and we are to love Him and others. Love of others includes forgiving them.
13. How can we identify and adopt positive/Biblical life beliefs?
14. How can we replace the negative core beliefs with positive core beliefs? (Galatians 5:22, Romans 12:2)
15. What can you do to help break down the fears of others in your neighborhood who may believe differently?
16. What can your “Circle Group” do for others who believe differently which may generate some interest in your group and its message?