1. Ben talked about playing potato baseball with his brother. What's a fun or unusual summer memory you have as a kid growing up?
2. Which of the three qualities Ben highlighted—humility, charity, or empathy—comes most naturally to you? Which is hardest?
1. Read
Proverbs 15:28. Why do you think Jesus pauses and writes on the ground instead of immediately answering the Pharisees?
2. Ben emphasized that "forgiven people can't hold the grace of God in one hand while hurling stones with the other." Why is receiving forgiveness supposed to change how we treat others? Read
Matthew 18:213. Are there people in your life toward whom you're still carrying stones? What would it look like to "drop the stones" while still speaking truth in love?
4. Think of someone whose views or lifestyle frustrate you.
What would it look like to approach them with curiosity before criticism?
How might that change the conversation?
5. If someone asked you, "What is the abundant life Jesus promised in
John 10:10?" how would you answer after hearing this message?
Join us in Backpack Collection - bring in supplies the first two weekends in August
Consider taking the Next Steps with Jesus class - see calendar for details
Consider what it looks like this week to drop your stones and pick up grace.
Jesus - thank you for your grace and our freedom from condemnation. Help us this week to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as you have done and continue to do for us each day. Remind us each day how much you love us and help us to be carriers of grace. Amen