Week 5: Extend the Invitation

Opening Questions

  • What stood out most to you from the daily Scripture readings this week? Did you learn anything new? Did you have questions? Did you gain insight to share with the group?

  • Which role do you typically play in your family: Protector, Mediator, Communication Central, Cheerleader, or something else?

Watch the Video Below

Reflection

We are adopted sons and daughters of the Most High God.

“The world tells you many lies about who you are, and you simply have to be realistic enough to remind yourself of this.  Every time you feel hurt, offended, or rejected, you have to dare to say to yourself: ‘These feelings, strong as they may be, are not telling me the truth about myself.  The truth even though I cannot feel it right now, is that I am the chosen child of God, precious in God’s eyes, called the Beloved from all eternity, and held safe in an everlasting embrace.’  Second, you have to keep looking for people and places where your truth is spoken and where you are reminded of your deepest identity as the chosen one.” 

Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved

Who do you have that consistently speaks truth of your Belovedness to you?

We are co-heirs with Jesus.

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 8:14-17


What role do you think God intends for you to fill in his adopted family?


Practicing Community: Offer Witness

Witnessing is merely telling others about your personal experience of God.  Spend some time sharing faith experiences with each other.  Your testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. 


Next Steps

Who else might God be inviting you to share your experience of His presence and love with?  How do you want to respond?

How can this group support you? End your meeting in prayer for each other.