Central Truth

Worldly grief leads us further from the Lord. Godly grief leads us back into His light and salvation.

Reflections

I am a believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with people pleasing. There have been many times throughout my life when I have wondered what people were going to think about me and that has made me not live my life to the fullest. When I do something that people may not like, I feel this weight upon my shoulders and wonder what people think about me. I don't live in the freedom that God has given me when I only worry about man's approval.

When I remind myself, however, that I am living for Christ and Him alone, those feelings of fear and insecurity start to slowly fade into the background. I don't need affirmation from the people around me. I live only for my Savior. But even when I am living for the Lord, there will still be moments of guilt, moments when I have turned from what the Lord desires for me. When I realize I am looking to win the approval of man and not living solely for Christ, that guilt is from God. He has allowed all Christians to feel that pain when we run from Him. Thankfully, that is not the end of the story. We don't walk around filled with guilt and shame. We are able to come before Him, ask the Lord to change our broken hearts, and He will give us the comfort and peace we need.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture can be found in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God has given us His Spirit to bring us back into the light when we go astray. When we confess our sins to Him, God gives us freedom from that sin and cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. It is such a wonderful truth to remember as we go throughout our day.

Discussion Questions

1. What areas of your life are leading you to worldly grief?

2. Where have you seen your life be changed so worldly grief turns into godly grief? What differentiates godly grief from worldly grief?

3. Are you living in community with people who are able to call you to a higher standard and to help you live fully for the Lord?

4. How can you start to see the world today through God's lens and avail yourself to His calling and will?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

2 Corinthians 6-10 (July 16-20)

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

• Talk about verse 6: what happens when you plant a few seeds versus planting lots of seeds?
• How does the Scripture compare this to our giving?
• What are different ways of giving? (Think broader than just money or things.)
• What do you think it means to give cheerfully?
• If you give generously and cheerfully, what will God do for you (see verse 8)?
• What does it mean to have all that you need? Is there a difference between your needs and your wants?
• If God gives you more than you need, what does He desire for you to do with the extra?
• When people see you giving generously, whom do you want them to praise?

Activity: As a family, think of different ways that you can give. Think about time, talents, and treasures. From your list, pick one way in which you can serve together . . . give generously and cheerfully.