GOING DEEPER
06.07.2020 | JUST BE | Wk 7: “Just Be Grateful”
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Breaking Ground
What is the most generous thing ever done for you?
The Dig
First, read the following verses on gratitude from Scripture: James 1:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 118:24-29 – share any others that come to mind with the group!
Take the rest of the group to discuss the nature of & importance of gratitude.
How do you define gratitude? What does it mean to truly be grateful? Do you consider yourself to be a grateful person?
What gets in the way of you being grateful?
One of the central beliefs of the Scriptures are that we, as disciples, are called to grow in our understanding of the giftedness of all things. That is, everything in our lives – including our very lives – is to be understood as a gift from God.
Why do you think this is a central pillar of the Christian worldview?
What is gratitude supposed to do to & for us in our lives?
What makes it such an important aspect of discipleship & growing in our resemblance of Jesus? To engage the question, consider the role gratitude might play in:
- Being generous
- Engaging in mission
- Resolving conflict & extending forgiveness
- Relinquishing fear
- Any other areas of spirituality that come to mind
Where in your life do you succeed at living out this level of gratitude? Where in your life are you falling short – that is, taking something or someone for granted?
In terms of this series, we need to recognize that gratitude is something we can, & need to, practice in order to grow in our capacity for it.
What are some ways that we can practice gratitude?
How might these practices impact our spiritual growth & our daily lives?
Close by sharing where you are finding gratitude in this season & share why.
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time this week to practice gratitude lists. The practice is simple. Each day, write in your journal three to five things that you are grateful for. Pray over those things & spend time truly thanking God for them.
If you are able, try not to repeat anything for a minimum of two weeks. Force yourself to get more & more specific & focused as you reflect on what you are grateful for. Try to make yourself more & more aware of just how much there is to hold with gratitude – even your breath!
Journal about your experience with this practice. Note anything that stands out or really hits home. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun
Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating
The Naked Now by Richard Rohr
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, June 14: Join us for the next week of our series Just Be, where we will be looking at how to just be open.
* Please see mye3.org for details.