Freedom in Christ Course
Discussion questions for Session 9 Relating to others 

Pause for thought or breakout room 1

1. John 10:10 says: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Second Corinthians 4:4 says that one reason people do not respond to the Gospel is that Satan has blinded their minds, and Psalm 133 says that where there is unity, God brings blessing. How do these verses help you understand why Jesus prayed that we would be one?
   
   
2. If God's people are not genuinely united, we will only ever reach a tiny part of the harvest. What are your thoughts on this statement?
   
   
3. When we are lukewarm in our relationship with God (Revelation 3:16), we tend to overlook our own sin and see the sin of others. Discuss this idea.
   
   

Pause for thought or breakout room 2

1. Spend some time discussing the difference between our rights and responsibilities in relation to others. You may like to consider this in relation to specific people in your life, for example, spouse, child, work colleague, friend, church leader, or neighbor.
   
   
2. If we can learn to serve and love other people without expecting anything in return, it's liberating. Instead of constantly being disappointed by others, we will be truly and pleasantly surprised when people serve and love us (Galatians 5:13). Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
   
   
3. What would it mean practically for you to focus on your own character and on the needs of others (instead of focusing on our own needs and criticize the character of others) ?
   
   

Reflection

1. Spend some time asking God for wisdom as to how best relate to others in your life. First, consider who the main people in your life are. Then ask God for wisdom in how you can best relate to them. Is there a need to stop judging their character and instead offer loving discipline? Or to forgive them? How can you meet their needs?
   
   
2. Fill out the form on page 184 of your participant's guide.