Heart of Peace
Matthew 5:43-48 (NRSV)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Watch this TED talk about 10 ways to have a better conversation. While you are listening write down the 10 ways. When you finish talk with your group about the 10 ways.
- Which ways are you good at?
- Which ways are you not so good at?
- Why is it important to have better conversations?
Take turns with a partner having a better conversation. Talk about why you are a Christian. Make sure you follow the 10 ways.
From the Sermon
- When have you treated a person as an object? Share about this time.
- How could that time have been different if you had a heart at peace?
- What could you do this week to shift the energy level of the planet?
In your devotion this week or as you meet with your Faith Group discuss the following Wesley Challenge question: Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward, or disregard? (p. 117)
