- Who in your life would you describe as "complicated"? Without naming names, how do they impact your life, and how do you typically deal with them?
- Ryan talked about realizing our own complications. What are some ways you might be complicated for others to deal with? How does this realization shift your perspective on dealing with complicated people?
- Read Romans 3:23. How does this verse encourage humility when dealing with difficult relationships?
- Read Colossians 3:12-13. How do these verses guide our response to complicated people? How can we "make allowance for each other's faults"?
- Ryan encouraged us to never let another person’s behavior dictate ours. He also shared that is easier said than done. What are some examples of times we have let other people’s behavior dictate ours?
- What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that someone else's behavior doesn't dictate your own?
- Have you ever found it challenging to look for God’s perspective on someone? How can you invite God into those difficult moments?
- How can we create more space (or an "allowance") for others' faults in our relationships?
- Think of a current relationship where you find yourself reacting to someone else’s behavior. How could you respond differently to regain control over your own actions?
- Let’s end our group time praying for one another and the relationships that come to mind.
Verse to meditate on and memorize this week:
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Put It into Practice (optional)
One of our faith catalysts (common ingredients that lead to spiritual transformation and growth) is pivotal relationships. These are relationships with other people who God uses to help us see things and take steps we would never have on our own.
This week, we talked about how to deal with complicated people, and how sometimes those complicated people can help us to grow. Here are some additional questions to consider:
- When it comes to realizing our own complications, what are some of the ways we can be complicated? Make a list.
- Who are the complicated people in your life at the moment, and what it is that makes them complicated? Make a list.
- Ryan mentioned that complicated people bring valuable perspectives that we might otherwise miss. Can you think of a time when someone difficult taught you something important?
- Write down God’s perspective on the people you listed. How do you think God would want you to respond to them?
- Say or write out a prayer for each person on your list. Ask God to help you know how to deal with them in love.