Bible Study - The Gospel, Self-Hatred and Self-Compassion
- What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for or are celebrating? How have you experienced or witnessed his faithfulness since our last meeting?
- Where are you experiencing stress, anxiety or discouragement? How would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you? How can we pray for you in those areas?
- What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- Read Mark 12:20-31. What does “loving your neighbor as yourself” have to do with self-compassion? Sometimes our self-talk is harsh and demeaning. We say things to we would not ever say about someone else. Why do you think that is?
- Read Leviticus 19:13-18. How does the passage in Leviticus expand your understanding of what it means to love your neighbor? What does the passage from Leviticus have to say about what self-compassion might look like? Have you ever hated yourself? Slandered yourself? Refused for forgive yourself?
- Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. When it comes to love as described in this passage, are there any characteristics of love that you have a hard time extending to yourself? Why?
- Read Romans 12:3. Chris mentioned that it is important to note that you are not going to be able to excel in every arena of life or do everything well. We all have differing gifts and aptitudes. How does an inflated since of who we are, or what we are capable of, keep us from having compassion for ourselves?
- Which of the following suggestions is the most helpful for you when it comes to self-compassion: remembering there is correction, but no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; remembering you are made in the image of God; or focusing on God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ by fixing your eyes on the cross?
- In the next 24-48 hours, what simple next step could you take in obedience to what you’ve learned from your time in God’s Word? Who would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned this week? Will you share it with them?
Posted in Sermon-Based Bible Study