Becoming A Community of Grace

Community Builder Lessons: Love
WELCOME
Leader: Welcome one, welcome all! I would like to personally welcome and thank you for joining us in
our 7-week Spiritual Campaign which we call Loving One Another: Becoming a Community of Grace. In
the next seven weeks, we will be learning how we can practice one of the most important
commandments that God has given us to follow – that is to love God and love one another.
Our lessons for our small group are based in the book of 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter. We will be
learning and practicing the different faces of love, and we want to learn these virtues in the context of
the community where real love is truly tested and practiced. Let me encourage each of us here to make
it a point to be always present and come on time so you would not miss any of the sessions and activities.
As a leader, I will make try the hardest to make our time fruitful and enjoyable.
I also would like to encourage you to bring a visitor for each of our meetings. We not only want us to
grow together, but also grow in number and in our relationship with God and with others. It is our
deepest prayer and hope that after this spiritual campaign, we will truly be a community of grace that
puts our love for Him and others our topmost priority.
Let us start our time together with a game.
Honey if you love me…

The group starts in a circle with one person in the middle.
This person tries to get others to laugh by saying “Honey if you love me you’ll smile.”
The person on the outside must respond without smiling or laughing saying, "Honey, I love you but I
just can't smile."
The person in the middle can do various things, without touching anyone, to get another person to
smile.
If the person does smile then he will become the center person.
What have we learned from this simple game? (Ask members to answer this.) It is true that when we
love someone, we will do everything to make him smile and be happy. That is what we want to be doing
for the next weeks that we will be together in this campaign. Love is something that we do. Love is
something that we also get in return.
WORSHIP
Here are some of the suggested songs/hymn:
(see page 3 for the lyrics)
• Unfailing Love
• Mahal na Mahal Kita Panginoon
• The Steadfast Love
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder Lessons: Love
WORD
Leader: At the outset let me tell you that our lessons for our small group meetings are all taken from the
Sunday sermons. That is why we are encouraging you to take down notes on Sundays so we can
thoroughly discuss and share our learning to each other here.
Let us start by giving us your impressions or your thoughts on the following phrases about love.
SENTENCE SPLASH (Write the sentences in strips of paper, making sure that the prints are big enough to
be read by everyone in the group. Show the sentences one at a time, giving time to answer the discussion
questions below)
1. Love is the heart of the commandments
2. Love is a choice
3. Love is a behavior
4. Love is a commitment
Discussion questions on the sentence splash:
1. What do you mean by the sentence?
2. What examples were given by our speaker last Sunday about it?
3. What difficulty have we encountered when we live out this principle?
4. How can love be truly practiced using this concept?
WORKS
THINK, PAIR, SHARE
After discussing all the four sentences above using the discussion questions, let us write our own
definition of love. I will give you two minutes to think and write your own definition. (After few
minutes, leader will ask the members to pair with someone and share their own definitions to each
other. All of them may opt to share their definitions in the big group.
Leader: I think it is just right that we memorize some verses about love before we leave tonight.
1. 1 Corinthians 14: 1, “Let love be your greatest aim.”
2. 1 John 3:18, “Let us stop just saying we love people. Let us really love them and show it by our
actions.”
Leader: We are challenged today to love one another not because we need it but also because we
want it. We will also try our best to show our love in actions, not just with our tongues. Our spiritual
campaign will help us achieve our aims in the next seven weeks. So let us continue on coming to our
small group meetings; let us continue to encourage one another with our presence and with our
willingness to learn from one another.
Let us sing our closing song, “We are One in the Bond of Love” before I close our time in prayer.
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder Lessons: Love
Song Lyrics
"Unfailing Love" Praise you God of earth and sky
Chris Tomlin How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love
You have my heart
And I am Yours forever And You never change God You remain
You are my strength The Holy One, My Unfailing love
God of grace and power Unfailing love
And everything You hold in Your hand Mahal Na Mahal Kita Panginoon
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky Habang buhay
How beautiful is Your unfailing love Papupurihan ka
Unfailing love Habang buhay
Maglilingkod sayo
And You never change God You remain Habang buhay
The Holy One Pag-ibig ko sayo'y iaalay
My unfailing love Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
Unfailing love Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
Kailanman Di kita ipagpapalit
You are my rock Pagkat sa piling mo'y langi
The one I hold on to Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
You are my song
And I sing for You Habang buhay
Papupurihan ka
And everything You hold in Your hand Habang buhay
Still You make time for me Maglilingkod Sayo
I can't understand Habang buhay
Praise You God of Earth and sky Pag-ibig ko sayo'y iaala
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love The Steadfast Love of the Lord
And You never change God You remain The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
The Holy One His mercies never have come to an end
My Unfailing love They are new every morning
Unfailing love New every morning
And everything You hold in Your hand Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Still you make time for me Great is Thy faithfulness
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
How beautiful is Your unfailing love His mercies never have come to an end
Unfailing love They are new every morning
(Repeat ) New every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
I will praise You Great is Thy faithfulnes
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: KINDNESS
WELCOME
Leader:
Welcome to our first small group meeting. This is the first of our eight meetings for our small group
campaign, which we call Loving One Another: Becoming a Community of Grace. It is our desire that in
the next weeks to come, we will together grow in love for our Lord Jesus Christ and for one another. For
us to make the most of our group meetings, I encourage every one of us to be always present and come
with an expectant and joyful attitude.
Let us start by doing a simple icebreaker.
Finish the Sentence

(Write the phrases in strips of paper or in a manila paper. Go around the room and have each person
complete one of these sentences [or something similar]:
▪ The best job I ever had was...

▪ The worst project I ever worked on was...
▪ The riskiest thing I ever did was...
▪ The most helpful thing I ever did for a stranger was…
▪ The worst thing I did to a friend was…
▪
WORSHIP
Here are some of the suggested songs:
• I love the thrill
• Power of Love
• Your Steadfast Love
WORD
Leader: Just recently we have learned of a celebrated news that happened in China. It was about a girl
who was involved in a vehicular accident. (See appendix section)
After reading the article, leader asks the question:
1. What happened in the story?
2. What are your reactions about the news?
3. How similar/different was this news from the Biblical account in Luke 10:32 ff?
4. Do we still have modern day “Good Samaritans” in this time and age? Explain your answer.
ROLE PLAY
Leader: Let us open our Bibles to Luke 10: 30-37. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the
most common stories in the Bible. Let us review this story by way of a role play. (Divide the group into
two and each will present before the other group. Give them around 6-7 minutes to practice the play.)
Have the group end with a moral of the story.
(Suggested roles to play: Priest, Levite, Samaritan, wounded man, thieves, innkeeper)
Discussion questions:
1. What are some of the excuses we give for our inability to help others?
2. Why is it easy for us to excuse ourselves when we see someone in need by thinking, “There’s no
reason for me to get involved. Those people are strangers, and I have no obligation to them.”
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder: Kindness
3. Of the three attitudes pointed out in the sermon last Sunday, what closely resonates with you
and why?
Three attitudes towards others:
a. Too busy to care
b. Curious, but no involvement
c. Applying the golden rule: Deal with others the way we want to be dealt with
4. How do we equate love and kindness in this story?
5. What should be our proper attitude, according to Jesus in Luke 10:36-37?
WORKS
Leader: Now let us put into action what we have learned about love. To love is to be kind. There are
four action points that were suggested for us to do. They are the following:
1. Slow down and look with concern

2. Listen and sympathize
3. Grab the opportunity
4. Spend whatever it takes
From the four suggestions above:

1. What do you do more often?
2. What is more challenging to you that you should do more often?
3. Think of the people that you are going to show kindness to this week and write down on a piece
of paper concrete things you will do for them.
The leader will lead a prayer of thanksgiving and for each of the small group members to practice what
they have learned this week. Pray that we will indeed grow together in a community of love.
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder: Kindness
Song Lyrics
The Power of Your Love I Love the Thrill That I Feel You are my king
Hillsong Worship You are my king
I Love The Thrill That I Feel
Lord I come to You When I Get Together With Your steadfast love extends
Let my heart be changed, God’s Wonderful People to the heavens
renewed Love The Thrill That I Feel Your faithfulness reaches to
Flowing from the grace When I Get Together With the clouds
God’s Wonderful People Your righteouness is like
That I've found in You
What A Sight Just To See All
Lord I've come to know majestic mountains
The Happy Faces
The weaknesses I see in me And your wisdom like the
Praising God In The Heavenly
Will be stripped away Places depth of the sea
By the power of Your love Love The Thrill That I Feel And you come to me (come
When I Get Together With to me)
Chorus
Hold me close God’s Wonderful People.
Filling my heart with your
Let Your love surround me loving kindness
Bring me near Your Steadfast Love I find my peace in the
Draw me to Your side Don Moen shadows of your wings
And as I wait Your steadfast love extends I eat my fill from the
I'll rise up like the eagle to the heavens abundance of your
And I will soar with You Your faithfulness reaches to household
Your Spirit leads me on
the clouds And I drink from the streams
In the power of Your love
Your righteouness is like of rejoicing
majestic mountains
Lord unveil my eyes And your wisdom like the
"Your Love"
Let me see You face to face depth of the sea
Hillsong
The knowledge of Your love And you come to me
As You live in me
Filling my heart with your Jesus Your loving kindness
Lord renew my mind I'm so blessed by all that
loving kindness
As Your will unfolds in my life You've done
I find my peace in the
In living every day This life that You give
shadows of your wings
By the power of Your love
I eat my fill from the
Jesus Your loving kindness
Hold me close abundance of your Is life that's changing my
Let Your love surround me household heart
Bring me near And I drink from the streams Drawing me near to You
Draw me to Your side of rejoicing
And as I wait Your love is better than life
'Cause you are my king
I'll rise up like the eagle I know it well
You are my king
And I will soar with You And I'll find all that I need in
You are my king You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love In You
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COMMUNITY BUILDER 1: KINDNESS
WHAT IS YOUR KINDNESS QUOTIENT?
GROWING TOGETHER: Becoming a Community of Grace
DEVOTIONAL STUDY GUIDE
Monday
Text: Luke 19: 1 – 10 Tuesday
The Kindness of Jesus. When we think of Text: Titus 3: 3 – 8
Jesus, we quickly think of His power, His
sacrifice and His teachings. But Jesus a. How does Paul describe those who
haven’t yet received God’s love?
demonstrated His kindness through His
b. How did God show His kindness? What
actions. did God’s kindness do?
a. How did Jesus show His kindness to c. In what ways did God bestow His
kindness through Jesus?
Zacchaeus?
d. How does God’s kindness connect to our
b. What does kindness mean to you?
salvation?
c. How has the kindness of others minister
e. What are the results of God’s kindness in
to you?
our lives?
d. How kind are you?
e. How can kindness be practical?
Wednesday
Text: Luke 6: 27 – 36
a. List down all the kind acts Jesus gives us in this passage.
b. Based on this passage, is kindness difficult? Why?
c. Why does Jesus tell us that “God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked?” How do you understand
that? What is its effect to you?
d. How does kindness connect to being merciful?
e. Who are the people who need mercy and kindness from us this week?
Thursday
Friday
Text: Colossians 3: 12 – 14
Text: Mark 5: 21 – 34
a. List down the characters that Paul says we
a. How did Jesus show his kindness to the woman?
are to clothe ourselves with.
b. How busy was Jesus?
b. What do you think “clothe” means? Why c. Can you connect kindness in Jesus’ actions and
did Paul use “clothe” as an image of miracles?
righteousness? d. Jesus tells us to be kind even to those who
c. What is your kindness quotient? When was mistreat us. Who, in your sphere of influence,
the last time you were kind to somebody? had been unkind to you? What acts of kindness
d. Why do you think genuine kindness is could you show this person this week?
difficult to achieve? e. Plan such actions; make sure to follow it through.
e. Why must kindness always be about doing Pray that God will use such actions to speak and
something? minister to that person. But even if they don’t
respond, commit that you will continue to reflect
God’s kindness no matter what.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: LOVE DOES NOT ENVY
WELCOME
Leader: Let us play two simple games that have something to do with our lesson today.
Game #1: One Thing in Common
Find out what is common among the things I will mention. The first to guess will have a simple prize:
(Leader needs to prepare a simple gift that is colored green, e.g. 5 pcs. of Halls (green colored candy )
The list may include the following: Bermuda grass, lemon, tree, land bank logo, avocado, emerald, jade,
peridot, star apple, cogon,
Game #2: Touch the Color
I will mention items in this room and everyone should go and touch the item I will mention. The last
person to touch the item is out of the game.
(Leaders: Only mention the items that are color green.)
The leader asks: What is common in the two games we played today? (They should be able to answer
that everything had shades of green.) The color green has some connection to our lesson today and with
that of last Sunday’s message. Do you have any guesses? But before we continue, let us take time to
sing songs of worship to God and to prepare us for the lesson today.
WORSHIP
Suggested songs:
I Cast All My Cares
In Moments Like These
The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
WORD
Leader: As mentioned earlier, the color green has something to do with our lesson today. What do we
associate the color green with? (Leader waits for group members to answer, leading it to the term, the
green eyed monster).
Yes, we also associate envy with jealousy and we say that we are green with envy. This expression was
coined by Shakespeare in Othello (3:3), where Iago says: "O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-
eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." It is thought to allude to cats, often green-eyed,
who tease their prey. And in today’s small group meeting, we will continue to understand what envy is
all about and how can we be freed from committing this one of the seven deadly sins.
In last Sunday’s sermon we talked about one attribute of love, and that is love does not envy. Envy is
also known as the green eyed monster. What is envy? Why do we envy? And what is the antidote to
envy?
Let us review the story of the Parable of the Vineyard Workers in Matthew 20 by answering the
crossword puzzle. The first to complete answer it will get a prize. (The leader needs to photocopy the
puzzle below and give it to the members to answer. Prepare candies as prizes. The leader should give
the same number of candies to the winners, regardless of the order of their completion, acting just like
the landowner in the story)
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder: Love Does Not Envy
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Discussion questions:
1. Of the 15 words mentioned in the puzzle above, what words do we associate envy with and why?
(Answers: grumble, unfair, right, receive).
2. How similar are our attitudes or mindsets from the vineyard workers? (Members may give
specific personal examples)
3. Why is envy considered one of the seven deadly sins? (7 deadly sins: pride, greed, envy, anger,
lust, gluttony, sloth) Envy resents the good others receive or even might receive. Envy is almost
indistinguishable from pride at times.
4. Let us reflect on the following words from the sermon and give us your thoughts about them:
“The bottom line on envy is this. When we’re envious, we’re in a battle with God. Our problem
really isn’t with the person we envy. Our problem at a deeper level is with God. We doubt God’s
goodness in our life. We resent God’s decision to bless somebody else. We accuse Him of being
unfair. We don’t think God has our best interest at heart. We think God loves somebody else
more than He loves us, that God is playing favorites.”
5. The opposing virtue of envy is love. In what way can love wipe away this sin of envy?
(The leader may emphasize that Love is patient, love is kind, love actively seeks the good of others
for their sake.)
6. Potion to Anti Envy:

In last Sunday’s message, there are five antidotes to envy. Let us name them:
a. Avoid comparing ourselves with others
b. Learn to rejoice with others
c. Be thankful of what we have
d. Trust God’s wisdom
e. Live the Hebrews 12:2 principle:
“ Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
7. Let us memorize the five antidotes above, including the verse, Hebrews 12:2. (Have the members
loudly recite the points and verse by heart)
8. More discussions on Hebrews 12:2

a. What is the verse telling us to do?
b. What does the phrase “author and perfecter of our faith” means?
c. What should be our attitude towards God’s goodness upon us (endured, scorned, and sat
down)? We should follow God’s way.
(From PC Study 5)
Follow God's way (Heb 12:1-4). The writer just listed a great group of men and women
who were witnesses to the value of a life of faith. In addition, the reader can fix his eyes
on Jesus and see him walk God's pathway - and receive the crown! Yes, Jesus' path led to
a cross. But His suffering was not the end. Holding fast to God's will by faith, Jesus chose
to endure far more than such a choice could ever entail for these Hebrew Christians.
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Jesus' obedience cost Him life itself. The Hebrews, like you and me, had not yet resisted
sin to the point of bloodshed.
WORKS
Let us put the lessons we have learned in a more concrete form. Of the five antidotes to envy, pick up
one or two that you will like to practice for this week.
Let them write a personal prayer of forgiveness and resolve in this area so we can truly follow God’s
ways. (The leader may ask them to write their prayers in their own prayer journals)
Close with a prayer. Ask some prayer items from the group members and let them pray for one another
before leader closes in prayer.
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Song Lyrics
I Cast all my Cares Upon You The Joy Of The LORD Is My Strength
David Kocijan
The joy of the LORD is my strength
I cast all my cares upon You The joy of the LORD is my strength
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet The joy of the LORD is my strength
And any time I don't know what to do For the joy of the LORD is my strength
I will cast all my cares upon You
I cast all my cares upon You He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no
And any time I don't know what to do
more
I will cast all my cares upon You
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no
I cast all of my cares upon You more
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet For the joy of the LORD is my strength!
And any time that I don't know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You He gives me living water and I thirst no more
I will cast all my cares upon You He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
For the joy of the LORD is my strength!
In Moments Like This
He fills my soul with laughter
In moments like this Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
I sing out a love song to Jesus. He fills my soul with laughter
In moments like these I lift up my hands, Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
I lift up my hands to the Lord. The joy of the LORD is my strength!
Singing I love You, Lord. If you want joy you must ask for it
Singing I love You, Lord. If you want joy you must ask for it
Singing I love You, Lord, If you want joy you must ask for it
I love You. The joy of the LORD is my strength!
In moments like this
I sing out a love song to Jesus.
In moments like these I lift up my hands,
I lift up my hands to the Lord.
Singing I love You, Lord.

Singing I love You, Lord.
Singing I love You, Lord,
I love You.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER 2: LOVE DOES NOT ENVY
LOVE POTION: ANTI-ENVY
Monday
Text: Genesis 37: 1 -11 Tuesday

The Bible says “Love does not envy.” It is Text: Exodus 20:17
impossible to envy someone and love them at the
same time. When God told Moses to write the 10th
commandment, He did so for a reason. He
a. Why were Joseph’s brothers envious of him?
knew that we, His children, would struggle
How would you assess the relationship in
Jacob’s family? with a debilitating disease that would have
b. What was the result of the jealousy of Joseph’s symptoms such as chronic dissatisfaction, an
brothers to their family? addiction to others’ possessions and lifestyles,
c. Is envy a big matter to you? infection of inferiority, a complaining disorder,
d. When are you most vulnerable to envy? and a syndrome of overall ungratefulness.
e. List down the top 3 things about yourself that
you always compare with others. a. Describe a time when you had to have
f. Do we have the attitude of gratitude? something in order to feel content. Did
Prayer: Pray for a specific person whom God will the gratification last?
bless this week. Pray that God will free you from b. Name a person who “has it all.” What fills
the tendency of comparing yourself with others this person’s life? Would this person be
and instead give you the strength to rejoice in the completely comfortable with only Jesus as
blessings that God gives to others. the source of joy?
c. How do you think comparisons or
complaining infiltrate our lives and our
Wednesday families?
d. Realizing that envy is a choice we make,
Text: Hebrews 13: 5
how can we prepare ourselves to make
When we experience envy or jealousy, it is
the right choice when facing a temptation
normally due to the fact that we are to be envious?
dissatisfied with the life we have and we simply Prayer: Pray for all members of your family,
fail to see just how blessed we truly are by that God will guide them as they make
God. different choices this week. Pray for an
a. List down 5 Things that you wish you have. attitude of contentment and gratitude.
b. What would you do to own such things?
How do you feel when you see others have
the things we wished to have?
Prayer: Confess any feelings of dissatisfaction,
c. How does knowing “that God will never
discontent and malicious thoughts regarding
leave us nor forsake us” make a difference
another person because of envy. Pray that God
in our lives?
will give you an attitude of generosity and
d. What do you think is the opposite of being
kindness.
envious? How do we achieve that
attitude?
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Friday
Text: Psalms 37: 1 - 7
Envy is not an ambition but rather a form of
greed that drives people to perform in ways
that do not bless God. It demonstrates that
Thursday they do not love their neighbor as themselves.
Text: Titus 3: 1 – 7 Ambition that moves the steward to see what
he/she can do to better serve his/her master
The adage of seeing a glass as either half-full and bless others in the process is the better
or half-empty is directed at determining if one choice.
sees life as an optimist or as a pessimist. But
the example ignores a third option -- that of
sufficiency. When is striving for more OK, and a. Why should we be not envious of those
when is it not OK? To examine this, it is who do wrong?
necessary to first examine your motives as to b. What should your attitude be when you see
why you want more. Is it to exceed what your that others have more than you do whether
neighbor has? To be the 'envy' of others? Did in material things, personal skills, or job
achievements?
this begin by 'envying' others first? c. How do you think does “trusting God and
delighting in Him” allow us to conquer
envy?
a. From what kind of life did God save us d. List down the promises that God gives to
from? those who trust in him, delight in him and
b. When Paul said “to be ready to do commit their ways to him.
whatever is good”, what was the basis for
acquiring such an attitude?
c. When we look at our lives, do we see it as Prayer: Spend time in honest self-reflection
half-full or half-empty? asking God to help show you the condition of
d. What is the danger of envy, when we look your heart. Pray that God will work in your
at the lives of people in the Bible? heart this week and make you strong and
e. How does being a good steward help us
mature in this area. Pray for our Worship
overcome envy?
Service that God will work in a mighty way in
each and everyone’s life.
Prayer: Pray that God will prepare our hearts
and minds as we prepare for worship this
Sunday. Pray for a particular brother or a
sister in this church, that God will bless them
in all areas of their lives this week.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: HUMILITY
WELCOME
Leader: Good morning/evening everyone. Welcome to our 3rd small group meeting and we hope you
are continually looking forward to our learning together. We trust that you are enjoying yourselves and
that we are learning how to love the way God wants us to.
In our last two meetings we have learned that Love is kind and Love does not envy. We have given
ourselves several times to reflect on these two characteristics of love and how we can practice them in
our lives. Today we are going to look into another attribute of love, that is, love is not conceited or proud.
Let us start off by an icebreaker titled “I Never…” Did you ever feel left out because someone has done
something that you haven’t? Whether it is true or not, let us try this game.
Resources
Enough sturdy chairs for all participants to sit in a circle
Preparation
Place enough chairs in a circle to have one chair for each person, and then remove one chair.
What to Do
1. Choose one person to be “it” and stand in the center of the circle.
2. The person in the middle of the circle names something they have never done. (e.g. “I have never
eaten a “balut,” or “I have never been outside the country”)
3. Then, anyone who has done the activity that was mentioned has to get out of his/her chair and find
another empty chair to sit in. They may NOT sit in the same seat. Whoever is “It” tries to grab one of
the empty chairs during the chaos.
4. Whoever is left without a chair become “it” and must stand in the middle of the circle. They then state
something they have never done and try to get a chair.
5. If a person has been in the center of the circle at least 3 times and can’t think of anything they’ve
never done, they can shout “Train wreck.” EVERYONE has to move on this one. Don’t let them call this
out too many times or you loose all the fun of it.
6. Caution: Be careful to not allow members to name things that might be an embarrassment to others.
Variation
If a person ends up in the center of the circle three times, they must perform a forfeit for the group. This
forfeit could be to dance, to sing, to tell a clean joke, etc.
Leader: I sure hope you enjoyed our game. What have we learned from this exercise? (Get volunteers
to answer). Sometimes we have done some things that we should not have done or some things that
we should have done but almost never do. Why?
Do you every find yourself doing something that you promised yourself you would never do? Explain?
How can you prevent this from happening again?
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder: Humility
Sometimes when we have done something and others have not, we tend to brag about it and we
become proud. The Scripture tells us that Love is not conceited or proud. God wants us to be humble.
WORSHIP
Leader: Let us sing this old but familiar song.
Suggested song:
Humble Thyself In The Sight of the Lord
Amazing Grace
WORD
Leader: As we start our study of God’s Word, let us read these three quotations and tell me what are
common to them. (Leader will write each of the sentences in a one page paper to show to the group.
Humility quotes
Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't speak well of yourself. --Blaise Pascal
There is no room for God in him who is full of himself. --Martin Buber
We'd like to be humble...but what if no one notices? --John Ortberg
Leader: What is common in these quotes? Yes, they all relate to pride and humility. To be humble means
to love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that Love is not conceited or proud. Or we say that Love is humble.
In the sermon last Sunday, the speaker told us that “humility is not thinking less of ourselves. It’s
thinking of others instead of ourselves and acting in their best interest instead of our own. Humility is
not putting ourselves down. It is thinking less of ourselves. It’s not thinking about ourselves at all.
Humility means to be other-person-centered. It means to think about others and forget about
ourselves. Humility is self-forgetfulness.”
Let us consider the following verses and find out what we can learn about humility. Let us form a dyad
(group of two) to do the following:
1. Read the verse/s together

Group #1: Philippians 2:3-7
Group #3: Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16
Group #2: Proverbs 15:12, 32; Proverbs 13:10
Group #4: James 4:6,7; Romans 6:13
2. Get insight/s from the verse/s

Discussion Questions for the groups:
a. What do these passages/verses say about humility?
b. In our spiritual life, why is humility considered a considerable element?
c. What does it say about my relationship with God and with others?
d. What would it mean to me, if I took this (humility) seriously?
3. Construct a Humility Acrostic based on the verse. (An acrostic is a series of lines in which certain
letters—usually the first in each line— form a name or message when read in sequence.
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4. Share in the big group your reflections and acrostic (Leader may prepare the acrostic by writing in a
bond paper each letter of the word humility or humble. The groups may take turns using them.)
Humility/Humble Acrostic
H-e H-
U-nderstands U-
M-y M-
I-nadequacies and B-
L-ifts me up L-
I-nspite my E-
T-ransgressions and
Y-ukkiness!
WORKS
Application Point: Think, Pair, Share, Pray
1. Choose one aspect of your character that you would like to develop so you can practice humility.
2. How should I perform the tasks for God that will make Him truly happy?
3. If God made me as I am, why is it necessary to be humble?
4. Leader will give them time to think through the questions, pair with someone and share and close in
prayer.
5. You may end the small group meeting by singing the same song, “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the
Lord.”
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Song Lyrics
Humble Thyself In The Sight of the Lord
Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord
And He shall lift you up
Higher and higher
And He shall lift you up.
Up in the heavens
And He shall lift you up.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Chris Tomlin
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER 3: HUMILITY
Monday
Text: Philippians 2: 1 - 5
Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect Tuesday

nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me,
Text: Proverbs 15: 33
to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest
when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or Many of us understand that we are to humble
despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, ourselves before the Lord. But what about
where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to choosing humility in the face of false accusers,
my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep persecutors, people who intend to harm us?
sea of calmness, when all around and above is People who compete with us? People who react
trouble. (Andrew Murray) out of fear and insecurity? The ones the enemy
uses to separate believers and thwart divine
1. Would you do what Jesus did? plans? The ones God uses to test us? Jesus chose
2. What do you think was the hardest for Jesus to
humility. His example was an important
give up?
3. What was the most recent humble act that you demonstration for us, a divine strategy, an
have done? assignment from The Father.
4. What is the most difficult thing about humility?
5. Write three acts of humility that you can do for
your family this week.
e. What is important to you: that the work be
done, that the need be supplied, or that you
PRAYER: Pray that God will fill you with His mind, be seen and recognized?
His compassion, His love, His purity, and f. When a brother or sister is honored and
understanding. That you will be able to look recognized, are you joyful or resentful?
beyond yourself, and that God will pour out His g. Describe a time when you really worked hard,
goodness to those who need His love and saving gave or sacrificed, but were silent about it.
h. Would you consider yourself a humble person?
grace. Pray for those who are not yet saved, for i. Can you recognize situations or events when
those who do not even realize their need for God. we are most tempted to boast?
PRAYER: Spend a few minutes asking God for

forgiveness for moments when Pride took control
of you. Pray that God will give you the strength to
be humble especially at times when we are
vulnerable to feel better than others. Pray that
God will open situations for us to minister to
someone.
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Wednesday Thursday
Text: Luke 18: 9 – 14
Text: John 13: 1 – 7
How are you at mirroring Jesus’ humility? Do
True humility is not thinking lowly of yourself but you brag about how great you are? Or do you
thinking accurately of yourself. The humble heart wait for others to praise you in due time? What
does not say, “I can’t do anything.” But rather, “I motivates you? Do you seek your own benefit?
Or do you seek other people’s benefit? Do you
can’t do everything. I know my part and am happy
build relationships to reach others for Christ? Or
to do it.” (Max Lucado)
do you blast them by pointing out all their sins
1. Do you know your strengths? List 3 of your and reciting Bible verses at them? (Elizabeth
strongest. Marks)
2. Do you know your weaknesses? List down 3 of
your weaknesses. 1. How do verses 5 – 7 paint a picture of being
3. Are you ashamed of your weaknesses and have showy? What’s so wrong with this picture?
the tendency to brag about your strengths? 2. How does Jesus tell us to combat or fight
being showy (8-11)?
4. Are you happy to do your part? Are you happy
3. Is servant and great contradicting words?
to see others do their part extremely well?
How can a servant be great?
5. Who is the most humble person that you 4. What does Jesus say will happen to those
know? List down the things that make that who exalt themselves?
person humble. 5. What does Jesus promise to the humble?
Prayer: Pray for the different small groups
meeting this week. Pray that God will move
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, Please forgive me
mightily in each person’s life. Pray that
for any pride that I have harbored in my life. everyone will learn the lesson of humility and
Please lead me by the Holy Spirit in putting on practice it in our relationship with one another.
humility each day. Please help me to be real
with the people in my life and not give place to
any hypocrisy. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’
name I pray, Amen.”
Friday
Text: Romans 12: 3 - 10
Pride, arrogance, greed and selfishness are rampant today. Our culture has conditioned us to look out for
ourselves and fight for what we're entitled to. More emphasis is placed on self-fulfillment than morality, and our
children are taught that it's more important to feel good than to do good. Clearly, we do not live in an
environment conducive to humility and gratefulness. What can we do? In order to be truly thankful and humble,
we must resist our natural tendency to exaggerate what we deserve, particularly in the area of material
possessions. (Michael Lane)
1. What general principle does Paul give us in these verses? How should we live this principle practically?
2. How are we to think of ourselves? What does this mean?
3. How does remembering the Christian body help us to remain humble?
4. How are we to honor one another above ourselves? What does this mean to you personally?
5. Write down 3 practical ways of applying humility to make it a part of your life.
Prayer: Spend time in honest self-examination asking God to help show you the condition of your heart in the
aspect of humility. Pray that God will open opportunities where you can apply the lesson of humility. Pray for
our brothers and sisters in this church that God will prepare their hearts and minds for worship.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: RESPECT
WELCOME
Leader: Welcome to our small group meeting/family discipleship. Let us greet each one with a pat on
our back and a hi-five and say, “I am happy you are here today.”
Let us play a simple game called People Bingo. The first person to complete it will get five hi-fives from
everyone. ☺
People Bingo
“Can you find someone who…..?” Played with a simple list or descriptions laid out in a 5x5 Bingo grid,
the object of this game is to get someone in the group to sign for each item according to the stated
criteria.
Resources
Paper and pencil for each person, Timer
What to Do
1. Hand out the worksheet and a pencil to each individual.
2. Set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the group and how much time you
have available.
3. Explain to the group that they will have 15 to 20 minutes to mix around and find different
people that meet each of the descriptions on their worksheet.
4. In order to fill the spaces, they need to find another person who matches one of the qualities
or facts listed and then have them sign their name on the appropriate square. Each person may
only sign one square.
5. Once a person has been identified, they are to have them fill in their name in the appropriate
box. Emphasize to the group that they cannot have the same person fill in more than 1
description.
6. The first person to finish should bring their worksheet for you to mark for scoring. The game
can continue until the allotted time is complete because it is common for some of the answers
to be disqualified.
7. When the timer goes off, check the winner’s sheet for accuracy. The person with the most
correct answers wins.
8. You might wish to consider having multiple prizes (or more back pats or hi-fives) in case there
is more than 1 winner.
Note: You may also use the people bingo sheet found on page 4.
WORSHIP
Leader:
As much as we enjoy our icebreaker today, I do hope that we are also reminded that people are different
and we need to respect each other’s differences. Sometimes we look down or laugh at others who are
different from us. We have been learning about love from 1 Corinthians 13 for the past three weeks and
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Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder Lessons: Respect
we have learned that love is kind, not envious, and humble. Today we are going to learn that love is not
rude or self –seeking. Let us sing this familiar song about God’s love.
WORD
We just sang a song about our wonderful God who loves us beyond compare and that His steadfast love
extends to the heavens. Today we will revisit two stories in the Bible that help us understand God’s love
for us. We are exhorted in last Sunday’s sermon that to love is to respect others. 1 Peter 2:17 tells us
to, “Show respect for everyone and love your Christian brothers and sisters.” We will try to practice how
to show love to others by respecting them.
There are two instances in Luke 7:36-50 where Jesus speaks about being respectful. Let us read the story
and do the following:
Step 1: Write your own translation. Ask them to write as they would say it, or imagine they are writing
a letter, or email or text to a friend. (The leader may give them a piece of paper to write their own
translation of the passage. Bring some extra Bibles in case some of your group members forgot to bring
theirs.)
Step 2: Ask yourself. Once the translation is complete, ask your group members to consider and write
down the answers to these questions:
a. What does this passage say to me
b. What does it say about my relationship with God and with others?
c. What would it mean to me, if I took this seriously?
Step 3: Feedback. Every person is given the opportunity to read their translation and share their
thoughts on the questions. The group members should do more listening than speaking. The leader
should not comment yet, but take notes on the main points being shared. Thank everyone for their
thought.
Step 4: Questions. Encourage a time of more general discussion on the passage, beginning with any
common points shared by the group members. Here the leader can also add comments and guidance.
WORKS
Leader:
We see two attitudes from the story in Luke 7. First, we learn that God showed His love and respect to
the woman despite her sinfulness. In return, the woman showed Him (Jesus) her complete adoration
and devotion by wiping His feet with perfume. The same is true with the two debtors who were forgiven
by their master. The person who owed more was more appreciative of the forgiveness given to him than
the person who owed less.
How do we show respect to others? There are four suggestions given by the sermon last Sunday in order
to truly respect others:
1. Listen from the heart
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2. Keep your promises

3. Yield your rights and serve
4. Take the stairs (slow down)
Ephesians 4:2, “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s
faults because of your love.”
By using the verse above as our guide, how shall we practice the four suggestions in the following
situations?
1. My roommate/workmate complains about everything. He/she sounds like a dripping faucet

(meaning, irritating).
2. I caught my best friend or spouse not telling the truth.
3. A stranger cuts in the line while I was queuing at counter in the grocery.
4. You are busy doing your responsibilities/requirements while your workmate/classmate takes
his/her time.
Leader: Allow group mates to share how they can practice love and respect in these situations. Ask for
prayer requests and specifically pray for their needs and concerns. You may close in prayer after singing
the song, Your steadfast love.
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Cut along the line and distribute EACH to the members. Since there are only 3 bingo sheets, you may
need to photocopy this page.
reads the collects LOVE memorizes the Coffee wears a pair of

Bible daily CAMPAIGN whole chapter of drinker eyeglasses
bookmarks Psalm 23
loves traveling has Netflix/iflix keeps a family Had a big crush on owns a pet
solo/alone account photo in the wallet Brad Pitt/Angelina
Jolie
waiting for God’s hates long queue owns more than 3 got plants at home
best FREE pairs of shoes
dislikes washing An avid Avengers shops online loves sports wish to own a car
dishes or Marvel’s fan
wears face mask knows who has sweet tooth prays every days watches news daily
Lee Min Ho is
reads the collects LOVE memorizes the Coffee wears a pair of

bookmarks Psalm 23
Jolie
wears face mask knows who has sweet tooth prays every days watches news daily
Lee Min Ho is
Small Group Leader’s

reads the Guidecollects LOVE memorizes the Community CoffeeBuilder Lessons:
wears a Respect
pair of
bookmarks Psalm 23
Jolie
wears face mask knows who has sweet tooth prays every day watches news daily
Lee Min Ho is
Song Lyrics
24
The Steadfast Love of the Lord Everything is brighter (brighter)
Pure Worship With You, everything is better (so much better)
With You, I am right where I belong
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases In this perfect love
His mercies never have come to an end
They are new every morning No matter what I go through
New every morning Lord, I'll keep my eyes fixed on You
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord 'Cause Jesus, You're faithful
Great is Thy faithfulness And You are able
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases Oh, it's Your love in my heart running over,
His mercies never have come to an end yeah
They are new every morning Every day of my life, I'm gonna draw closer to
New every morning You
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord
Great is Thy faithfulness Chorus:
Such a perfect love
They are new every morning Oh, You lift me higher (higher)
New every morning Lighting up my way
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord Everything is brighter (brighter)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord With You, everything is better (so much better)
Perfect Love Now, every part of my heart is now open
Planetshakers Make Your home in my heart, You are
welcome, ooh, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh You are welcome
You are at home in my heart Oh, Jesus, You are welcome, yeah
'Cause You loved me right from the start Yeah
When I was refusing (hey)
Your love kept pursuing
Such a perfect love
Now that I've tasted Your love Oh, You lift me higher (higher)
My heart just can't get enough Lighting up my way
Jesus, You have me (hey) Everything is brighter (brighter, ooh, Lord)
You have me completely With You, everything is better (so much better)
It's Your love in my heart running over, yeah In this perfect love
Every day of my life, I'll draw closer, hey
Chorus:
Such a perfect love
Oh, You lift me higher (higher)
Lighting up my way
COMMUNITY BUILDER 4: respect
LOVING ONE ANOTHER: BECOMING A COMMUNITY OF GARCE
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Wednesday
Text: Romans 12: 16
Be of the same mind one towards another, having the same love, and being of the same accord and affection to one
another, entertaining the same good opinion, or think better of others than of themselves. And so the Syriac version
renders the passage, "what ye think of yourselves, think also of your brethren": think of one another, as equally
interested in the love of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, blessed with the same spiritual blessings in him, and
called in the same hope of your calling; and do not think of one another, as being one richer or wiser than another,
do not value yourselves upon that. (Matthew Henry)
1. What does “living in harmony” say about God’s people?
2. What is the relationship between pride and rudeness?
3. How do you usually respond when someone is rude to you?
4. Why should we be willing to associate with people of low position?
5. List down ways we can show respect to our family, friends, classmate, dorm mate, work associates and church
mates?
PRAYER: Pray for somebody whom you had an argument or have disagreements with. Pray that God will give you the
humility to show respect to them even when it is difficult. Pray for opportunities where you can show them God’s
love.
Friday
Text: Ephesians 4: 1 – 7
Thursday
Text: Galatians 6: 8 - 10 Retaliation was not to be allowed; all occasionally
We wear Jesus. And those who don’t believe in needed forbearance, and all were uniformly to exercise
Jesus note that we do. They make decisions about it. No acerbity of temper, sharp retort, or satirical reply
Christ by watching us. When we are kind, they was to be admitted. As it is the second word which
assume that Christ is kind. When we are gracious, really begins the strife, so, where mutual forbearance is
they assume that Christ is gracious. When we are exercised, even the first angry word would never be
respectful they assume that Christ is respectful. But
spoken. And this mutual forbearance must not be
when we are rude and brash, what will they think
affected coolness or studied courtesy; it must have its
about our King? When we are dishonest, what
assumption will an observer make about our origin, sphere, and nutriment “in love”—in the genuine
Master? (Max Lucado) attachment that ought to prevail among Christian
1. Why should we not get weary of doing good? disciples. (John Eadie)
2. To whom should we be doing good,
6. Do you usually think about your right, or about what
especially? is most loving?
3. How would you feel if someone is rude to 7. When are you most tempted to be rude? How can
you? How would you respond? you overcome the temptation?
4. What does courtesy have to do with love? 8. How can you prepare yourself to infuse God’s grace
5. List down (at least 3) courteous acts that you in any situation?
want to practice and become good at. 9. How can you be proactive in love rather than
Prayer: Pray for all members of your small group reactive to situations?
10. Describe the most loving thing you have done this
(one by one). Pray that God will move mightily in
week.
each person’s life that each will learn respect of the Prayer: Spend time in honest self-examination, asking
other. Pray that love will reign supreme in our God to help show you the condition of your heart in the
community. aspect of being respectful and rude. Pray that God will
open opportunities where you can apply the lesson of
respectfulness because of love. Pray for our brothers
and sisters in this church, that God will prepare their
hearts and minds for worship.
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: PATIENCE
WELCOME
Leader: Welcome everyone to our 5th meeting. We couldn’t believe that this is our fifth session already
and it seems like yesterday, isn’t it? Today let us play one game that is a variation from the “7-Up” game
that we know. This game is called “buzz.”
Location: Anywhere, sitting in a circle

Energy level: Sit-down Activity
Description
How well can you count? Can you think quickly enough to eliminate any number that contains 7 or is a
multiple of 7?
Resource
(Optional) Enough chairs for all participants to sit in a circle.
Preparation
Seat everyone in a circle - either on the ground or in chairs.
What to Do
1. Count off, beginning with “One!”, then “Two!”, “Three!”, etc. and continuing around the circle.
2. When the number “seven” or any multiple of “seven” appears, instead of saying the number, the
one whose turn has come must say, “Buzz.” For example, one, two, three, four, five, six, buzz, eight,
nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, buzz, fifteen,
sixteen, buzz and so forth.
3. Try to have the participants count as rapidly as possible. You can eliminate all those who make a
mistake from the circle or have a penalty or ‘Forfeit’ for those that make mistakes. Examples of
funny, but innocuous forfeits.
• Tell your best joke in the style of the cookie monster from Sesame Street
• Make at least 3 people laugh.
• Tell a joke, no one in the room has heard.
• Describe how making a pie without talking.
• Give a 1-minute talk about elephants.
• Make your funniest face
• Do your favorite dance
• Hop around the room like a penguin
• Make an impression of the dog that just found a squeaky toy
Variations
Instead of the number seven, use another number. Lower numbers like three or four will add more
“buzz” to the game while eight and nine are about the same level of difficulty. In general, 2 is too much
while 5 and 10 are too easy.
27
Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder Lessons: Patience
CAUTION
Be cautious with forfeits. The idea is to have a little embarrassment, but not too much. Know your
participants and what they can handle. You might allow more sensitive participants to choose someone
else from the group to do the forfeit with them.
You can also do forfeits as a group at the end of an activity. When in doubt about how a person will
respond, do not do it. Also take care that forfeits do not degenerate into acts or comments with sexual
overtones.
Take It to the Next Level

• What makes this game difficult?
• In this game you had to replace a number with the word “buzz.” What are some of the things that we
must replace in life if we are to be successful? How can we replace them?
• When we reach different stages in life, in school, in our job, or in our family. What are some of the
changes we must make?
• Why is change so difficult?
• Why is forming new habits so difficult?
This game is difficult because it deviates from what is normal for us. We are accustomed to using the
number 7, and to replace it with the word “buzz” is awkward for us. It requires extra concentration and
is against what is natural for us. Many things in life are awkward at first. A baby’s first steps are always
awkward. But so is the first day on a job, married life, raising children, and so many others of the stages
we go through life. We must develop new habits. At first, it requires considerable concentration, but as
we grow, we will become accustomed to new habits and new ways of thinking.
Forming new ways of thinking is the key to forming new actions and habits. Then we must focus until
those new ways of thinking become a lifestyle. Forming these changes in our lives help us to be patient
-to be patient with ourselves as we begin and continue to grow and be patient for others to grow as well.
Action Point
What is a habit you currently have that you know needs to change?
What can you do to bring about that change?
WORSHIP
Leader: (You may choose songs that fit with today’s theme)
Suggested songs:
Times of refreshing
In His Time
WORD
Our study of God’s Word today revolves around the ideas of patience and anger. It seems like these two
are interrelated. Why do we think they go together?
We all face the problem of anger. Sometimes our anger causes us to sin. We know what it is like to lose
our temper. Sometimes we tend to boil up and burn up within with bitterness and resentment.
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Our Scripture verses for today are found in 1 Corinthians 13:5 which says, “Love is not easily angered,”
and James 1:19 which says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Let us take time to memorize these two verses as we start our study of God’s word. (The leader gives
the group enough time to memorize the verses.)
Indeed the book of Proverbs has much to say about sinful anger (Leader assigns these verses ahead of
time and let the members read one after the other.)
1) Proverbs 14:17,29
2) Proverbs 15:18
3) Proverbs 19:11
4) Proverbs 22:24-25
5) Proverbs 29:22
James 1:20 gives the reason why: Man is swift to anger;

but God is ____________ ______ _______________ (Psalm 103:8).
(Answer: slow to anger)
For today’s lesson, we are encouraged to practice patience. One child prayed that God will give him
patience and he prayed this prayer: “O Lord, please give me patience and I want it NOW!”
We know that when we get impatient, we tend to be angry, right? And when we are angry, we tend to
do two things: We either blow up or boil up. What does it mean when we blow up? (Allow for answers)
Many people are like living, active volcanoes – they tend to erupt and explode (like Mt. Pinatubo or Taal
Volcano). They let it all come out, and the smoke and lava pour forth. Those who live near or around
the eruption suffer from the damaging effects of man’s sinful anger and temper. We have experienced
that anger that can BLOW UP hurts and destroys others.
There is another way where sinful anger is manifested. Some people tend to boil up. This means that
some keep anger within, allowing this powerful emotion to slowly burn and boil. As they hold it in,
bitterness and resentment begin to build up. Boiling anger is just as sinful as exploding anger. The
difference is that anger which can BOIL UP hurts and destroys the self. "Blowing up" and "boiling up" has
never solved one problem, nor has it ever helped one person! When we blow up or boil up, we are
directing all our energy at others and at ourselves in a harmful way, and our problems only grow worse.
How much better to redirect that energy and use that energy to attack and to solve the problem! Why
not harness this vast supply of energy and put it to good use!
Last Sunday we learned that there are five practical steps that can help us overcome anger. These are
the following:
1) Stop the cycle of anger
2) Guard your relationships proactively
3) Trust God and let go
4) Learn to relax and walk away
5) Lower the standards of expectation.
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WORKS
Leader: Now, let us hear from your individual experiences on how you have dealt with anger. Did you
blow up or boil up? What specific steps from the five suggestions could you do to help you manage
your anger and thus practice patience in our lives?
(Allow for some to share, not too much of a historical sharing. Give them at least 1 minute or so to
share their experiences).
Let us end our session today by writing a one sentence prayer, patterned after Annie Fitzgerald’s Dear
God Kids’ Prayers. (e.g. Dear God, Am I a reflection of you?) Ask God your questions and trust Him to
answer it in God’s perfect time. (Also see sample below)
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Song Lyrics
Times Of Refreshing In His Time

Marty Nystrom Maranatha! Music
Times of refreshing In his time, in his time

Here in Your presence He makes all things beautiful
No greater blessing In his time
Than being with You
My soul is restored Lord please show me everyday
My mind is renewed As you're teaching me your way
There's no greater joy, Lord That you do just what you say
Than being with You In your time
Times of refreshing In your time, in your time

Here in Your presence You make all things beautiful
No greater blessing In your time
Than being with You
Lord my life to you I bring
My soul is restored
May each song I have to sing
My mind is renewed
Be to you a lovely thing
There's no greater joy, Lord
In your time
Than being with You
Lord please show me everyday
My soul is restored
As you teaching me your way
My mind is renewed
That you do just what you say
There's no greater joy, Lord
In your time
Than being with You
In your time (in your time), in your time (in
Times of refreshing
your time lord)
Here in Your presence
You make all things beautiful
No greater blessing
In your time (in your time)
Than being with You
My soul is restored Lord my life to you I bring
My mind is renewed May each song I have to sing
There's no greater joy, Lord Be to you a lovely thing
There's no greater joy, Lord Be to you a lovely thing
No greater joy, Lord
Than being with You
31
COMMUNITY BUILDER 5: patience
LOVING ONE ANOTHER: BECOMING A COMMUNITY OF GRaCE
Monday
Text: Psalm 37: 7 - 9
Today's society fast food is making billions. Its slogans are "have it your way" and "have it hot and have it
now". How easy it is for us to fall into this "fast food mentality". It has almost become who we are. But in
God's kingdom there's no fast food. We can't always have it “our way and now”. When we are caught up
in this fast food mentality, we lose the true meaning of patience. True patience is the ability to wait on the
Lord through trials without complaining and worrying; it is to be tested and be able to persevere through
trials. (Mark Elkana)
1. How do you define patience in your personal level?
2. According to Psalm 37, what is the relationship of patience and God’s will?
3. How is that applicable in your life? In what areas do we think God is moving slowly? Are there prayer concerns that
remain unanswered?
4. What areas in your life do you need patience?
5. Do you consider yourself a patient person?
Prayer:
Take time to honestly evaluate yourself in the area of patience, especially in our relationship with God.
Have you been a patient person with other people? Ask forgiveness from God for occasions when you
were tempted to be impatient. Pray that God will give you the strength to be patient and wait on the
Lord especially during times when we have our own schedules and deadlines for God to answer.
Tuesday
Text: Roman 5: 3 – 5
Patience is the ability or willingness to bear things. What kind of things do we have to bear? We bear
lots of things like hardships, temptations, wrongs done against us, suffering, trials, physical or financial
problems, and many other things. Bearing hardships is difficult. But it helps to remember that God
uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. If you are
steadfast in following God, He will turn even the hard times into good. We might not know how, but
God is faithful and will carry it out for His good purposes in your life. (M Smith)
1. Why should we rejoice in suffering? Why do we need patience?
2. How does God build our patience?
3. What has God given us that make patience possible?
4. Who are the people in our lives that really test our patience?
5. How can we apply patience to the members of our family?
Prayer:
Pray that God will give you the sensitivity of heart to discern occasions when your patience is being
tested. Pray for your family that God will teach and develop the character and attitude of patience in
all situations.
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Thursday
Wednesday Text: 2 Peter 3: 8 – 9
Text: Romans 2: 1 - 4 God is not slow in keeping any of His promises and
If you find patience hard to give, you might ask the though it is not always fast enough for our liking or
question “How infiltrated are you with God’s understanding, He does His work in perfect timing.
patience?” You have heard about it. Read about it. What seems like slowness to us is patience. God is being
Perhaps underlined Bible passages regarding it. But patient with us for He does not "want anyone to perish,
have you received it? The proof is in your patience. but everyone to come to repentance." His patience has
Patience deeply received results in patience freely to do with our salvation: "Bear in mind that our Lord's
offered. But patience never received leads to an patience means salvation." God doesn't want anyone to
abundance of problems. (Max Lucado) perish, but all to have their life transformed and turned
1. How does the tendency to judge others reveal around, grounded in Him. This is not only true regarding
a lack of understanding about God’s our Lord's return, but with all of God's work in us. We
patience? can be confident that God is faithfully accomplishing His
2. Do you struggle with judging others? plan and purpose in perfect timing. He is not slow in
(Explain) keeping His promises! (Gerald Whetstone)
3. How does God’s patience lead us toward
repentance? 1. What does Peter want to make sure we don’t
4. Where would you be if God were not forget? Why is this so important?
patience with you? Why is this important to 2. Why do we sometimes think that the Lord is
remember when we are dealing with others? slow in keeping His promise?
5. Would other people say that you are a patient 3. Why is God patient with us? What is God’s
person? motivation?
Prayer: 4. How can we model God’s patience in dealing
Pray for somebody whom you have been impatient with others?
with recently. Pray that God will give you the 5. Enumerate situations where you knew your
strength to be patient with difficult people in difficult patience was really tested. What steps are you
occasions. Pray for opportunities and expansion of going to take to change your reaction and your
your personal of ministry. actions in the situation?
Prayer:
Pray for all the members of your small group (one by
one). Pray that God will move mightily in each person’s
Friday life, that each will learn how to be patient with each
Text: Matthew 18: 21 – 35 other. Pray that love will reign supreme in our
community. Pray for somebody you know who needs to
1. What prompted Jesus to tell this story? What do hear the message of salvation, pray that God will begin
you think was behind the question to Jesus? to work in the life of that person. Pray also for
2. Retell the story in your own words. opportunities where you can share the gospel to that
person.
Love Given (Max Lucado)
A. Sit down with a sheet of paper and a pen or a
pencil, and write out your answer to the following
questions: B. With whom are you most likely to display impatience? A
How has God shown you patience in the past spouse? A son or a daughter? A sibling? A classmate?
week? Roommate?
How has He shown you patience in the past year? Spend some protracted time this week praying about your
Did He show patience in bring you to salvation? impatience toward this person. Ask God to show you
Did He show patience by using you to save specifically what you can do to show patience to this person.
someone? Then monitor your behavior over the next month, and invite
God to encourage and discipline you as needed.
How have you responded to his patience?
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COMMUNITY BUILDER: FORGIVENESS
WELCOME
Leader: Let us play an emotional game which I would like to call an Emotional Charade. Let us see how
well we can pantomime different emotions.
Preparation
Prepare the list of emotions you will use with the group. Some suggested emotions that can be used are:
Afraid, Angry, Arrogant, Bitter, Bored, Confused, Embarrassed, Frustrated, Gloomy, Hate, Heartbroken,
Hesitant, Hurt, Jealous, Mad, Nervous, Panic, Perplexed, Pessimistic, Sad, Terrified, Timid
(You may add up to this list, taking note that all the emotions listed above are negative ones)
What to Do
1. Divide players into two teams.
2. High die roll decides which team will play first.
3. The first team selects a person to mime the phrase; all other first team players are then the Guessers.
The mime must rotate so that everyone is required to mime a clue before someone can go again.
4. Each time a new mime begins, the person miming must draw a new name or phrase.
5. A timer is used to keep the game moving (An hourglass can be used, a 2-minute egg timer or even a
stopwatch). (The opposing team keeps track of the time limit.)
6. As one team mimes and guesses a word or phrase, the opposing team watches.
7. As the mime pantomimes the words, his teammates start shouting out what they think is being
portrayed. Players can guess as many times as they want. Guessing is NOT done in turn!
8. Players can use the following common clues along the way to guide the answers:
a) “Word Count”: Players can indicate how many words are in the phrase by holding up the same
number of fingers as words.
b) “Word Number”: A player might also indicate which word he or she is miming first by holding
up a finger for that word.
c) “Syllables”: Usually someone will put the number of fingers flat against his or her arm to
indicate the number of syllables in a word.
d) “sounds like” : cup your hand around your ear
e) “The Little word”: bring your thumb and index fingers close together.
f) “Longer version of the word”: pretend to stretch an elastic.
g) “Shorter version of the word”: chop with your hand.
h) “close, keep guessing!” : frantically wave hands to keep the guesses coming.
i) “Knows”: Point to your nose to indicate that someone “knows” the word and is correct.
9. Continue until all the words in the phrase are correct.
10. If the Mime’s team guesses correctly before the timer is emptied, the Mime’s team gets one point
and marks the score on a piece of paper. It is now the opposing team’s turn to mime and guess a new
word or phrase from a new slip of paper. If the Mime’s team does not guess correctly before the timer
is empty, they do not win the point. The opposing team then gets ten seconds to make one guess to win
the point. If the opposing team guesses correctly, they win the point and mark the score on a separate
sheet of paper. It is then their turn to mime and guess a new word or phrase. If the opposing team does
not guess correctly, no one wins the point. It is now the opposing team’s turn to mime and guess a new
34
Small Group Leader’s Guide Community Builder Lessons: Forgiveness
name or phrase. Play alternates between teams with emotion to be mimed. At the end of your time limit
for game play or the end of the clues, the team with the most correct guesses wins!
Breaking into Groups

In larger groups you might give each person, one of the listed emotions. There should be at least two
people that have each emotion and the number of emotions should be based on the number of groups
you wish to have. The objective will be displaying the emotion until each participant finds the other
members of his / her group. When someone thinks he or she has found a partner/group to have a seat.
Continue until
all groups are seated. Then have each group strike a group poses of their emotion.
Take It to the Next Level

• Which emotion was easier to recognize? Why?
• Which emotions are the easiest to show?
• The most difficult to show?
• Which emotions are the most difficult to hide from others? Should we try to hide our emotions? Why
or why not?
• What do our emotions reveal about us? What are some of the things your emotions reveal about you?
• Are negative emotions wrong? Is it easier to control positive or negative emotions?
• In what ways do emotions help us? In what ways do they hinder us?
• What are some practical ways people can manage emotions?
Action Point
The way we manage our emotions can motivate us or discourage us. They can build relationships and
destroy them. The first step in managing your emotions is to learn to recognize them. Only when we
recognize them can we learn to mitigate negative ones or enhance the positive ones. When we learn to
manage our emotions, we can change our lives! We can also better manage our relationships. It is also
important to be able to recognize and understand other people’s emotions so that we can be more
effective in relationships and in teamwork.
How can we relate the issue of forgiveness with that of our emotions? What emotions are evoked when
we practice or not practice forgiveness?
WORSHIP
Leader: Let us praise the Lord through singing song of praise and worship.
WORD
Leader: Our lesson for this week is about forgiveness. Let me start our lesson with these questions and
I want everyone to answer it:
1) Have you ever been so mad at someone because of something that that person did to you, that
you thought to yourself, "I will never forgive them. And I'm going to remember what they did to
me for as long as I live"?
2) Or have you ever had hatred in your heart over something someone did, and you wanted to get
that person back, execute some kind of revenge on him or her?
Maybe you had the attitude of "An eye for an eye." Well, what if the person, in either one of those
examples, came to you and apologized? Would you forgive him/her?
35
Let us look at some verses in the Bible that show us a few things on forgiveness. We are going to find
out when to forgive and if it is okay not to forgive someone. We are going to read about why and how
often we are supposed to forgive others. And, lastly, we are going to read about what happens if we hold
on to feelings of hatred and ideas of revenge.
Let us divide ourselves into groups and try to answer the following questions. (The leader may write the
questions and Bible verses in separate sheets of paper to be distributed to the different groups)
Group 1:
1. Do we have to forgive in every circumstance? (Answer: The answer is No, you don't. You're
probably thinking, Really? Well, let's read what the bible says about this.
a. Luke 17:3
b. Matthew 18:15-17
There are many verses on the importance of forgiveness, but somewhere along the way people got it in
their head that always, no matter what, you have to forgive people. But God did not put that heavy of a
burden on us. He does not expect us to be superhuman. There are times when you have the right to feel
wronged by someone. That does not mean that you hate them, want to harm them, and are going to
"pay them back;" but it also doesn't mean that you have to just forgive someone who will not repent,
does not care that they have wronged you and has an attitude of, "I don't care what I did to you. I'm not
sorry."
2. Does God just automatically forgive every sin? (Answer: No. If He did, then Jesus would not have
had to die on the cross as payment for sin. If you are someone who does not care that you have
broken God's commandments or offended God, then God will not just say, "It's okay. I forgive
you." No; you must admit that you have done wrong, come to God seeking His forgiveness, and
turn from your sins. THEN if you are of a sincere heart, God will forgive you.
a. 1 John 1:9
b. Psalm 32:5
God's forgiveness comes after someone repents. And God's Word shows us that we are to give people
the opportunity to repent so that we can forgive them and mend the relationship. We are not to hold a
grudge, and we are not to have the attitude of, "I will never forgive and never forget." So, yes, there are
times when we do not have to forgive, but we should make the effort and be forgiving of someone who
is sincerely sorry.
Group 2
3. Why does God want us to forgive others? Is there a limit to our forgiveness? Someone once asked
Jesus the question, "Lord, how many times do I have to forgive?" Let's see what Jesus told the
person. (Read and explain as you go)
a. Matthew 18:21-22
b. Matthew 18:23-27
c. Matthew 18:28-30
d. Matthew 18:31-35
When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are supposed to be a changed person. It's as though
you were a slave or a prisoner who has now been set free. What kind of person would you be if after you
36
were set free, you went around enslaving and imprisoning other folks? As much as we are able, we are
to show others the same mercy and grace that God showed to us. To do otherwise makes you out to be
selfish and ungrateful; someone whom God looks upon as a person who should not be forgiven himself.
4. In the above Bible account, we see people coming, humbling themselves, saying, "Give me
another chance." If you know that God gave you a second chance (even though you didn't
deserve it), shouldn't you be willing to give someone else a second chance?
a. Ephesians 4:32
b. Matthew 6:14
Group 3
5. Are we ever allowed to take matters into our own hands and seek revenge against someone?
(Answer: No. We are never to take vengeance into our own hands. God will bring down judgment
and justice on those who sin and who are unrepentant of their actions! We are to trust God and
let Him be the judge and jury and executioner.)
a. Romans 12:19
b. Psalm 37:8
c. Ecclesiastes 7:9
Lesson Wrap Up
Leader: There is a difference between self-defense and taking revenge. If someone breaks into my home,
I have every right to defend my property and my family. I don't have to stand there saying, "Jesus loves
you" while someone steals my stuff. But if, for example, my daughter is killed by a drunk driver and the
person's only punishment is doing community service, I can't take it upon myself to get in my car and go
run that man or woman down. I must trust that God will bring justice to the situation and punish that
person if they never repent of their sin of murder.
God wants us to leave these matters in His hands because He knows that hate and anger can consume
you, become an obsession, and be a heavy weight to bear. Satan would love nothing better than to have
us hating and harming each other. But God's Word tells us, Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let
not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil." When you crave revenge, you are
opening your heart up to the devil himself. You are putting a wall between you and God and not trusting
that God is righteous and in control.
It is okay to want justice, but, again, leave that up to God. God doesn't miss a thing. He knows every
wrong ever committed. God's Judgment Day is coming. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "It is appointed unto men
once to die, and after this the judgment. And 2 Corinthians 5:10 reads, "For we must all appear before
the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he
hath done, whether it be good or bad." Psalm 7:12, "If he turns not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent
his bow, and made it ready." God's judgment is righteous, and He is the only one who can or should mete
out justice.
Let's finish these lessons on forgiveness with an example of tremendous forgiveness shown to people.
This is when Jesus was being crucified. Jesus had been whipped, beaten, spat upon, falsely accused,
made fun of, and now he is hanging on the cross.
37
Let's see what happened.

Luke 23:33-34… Then said Jesus, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Jesus, who is God, showed compassion and forgiveness beyond what we can even imagine. And on that
day, at least one life was changed by Jesus' words of forgiveness. There were two men being crucified
on either side of Jesus. At first both men were making fun of Jesus and saying disrespectful things to
Him. But then one of the men, when He witnessed how Christ expressed forgiveness even while he was
suffering, realized that Jesus truly was God in the form of a man. And this thief's heart was changed, and
he said these words in Luke 23:40-43 (Leader read this passage).
Jesus' attitude of forgiveness had quite an impact on this man's life. This thief went from being guilty,
punished, and on his way to hell to someone who recognized who God is. He saw his own sinful
condition, and then asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. Maybe if we tell others who Jesus is and share
with them how they can be forgiven, and live our lives with a forgiving attitude, someone else will turn
from their sins and see Jesus living in us and ask what they must do to be saved!
Let us end this part by singing a very familiar song:
Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving
to me, thy great salvation so rich and free.
WORKS
Leader: By way of application of today’s lesson, let us try to do something creative and different. Let us
create a recipe for cooking up forgiveness using the following ingredients: pinch of humor (salt), 3 cups
of acceptance (flour), 1 bar of love (butter), 1 tsp of understanding (baking powder); 2 pcs of loving
hands (eggs) ; 1 ½ cup of prayer (sour cream) and 1 tsp of smile (vanilla). [Leader gives the group
members a list of the ingredients and gives them time to write the baking procedure. They can add more
ingredients that are appropriate to the recipe]
Using the ingredients above, try to complete the recipe by writing the baking procedure. Write them on
a ½ sheet of paper and share to the group.
Leader: After sharing our forgiveness recipe, let us try to practice them with someone today and every
time we need to. Let us end our time together by praying. Get a partner and pray for one another,
asking God to give us the grace we need and a heart of true forgiveness.
38
Sample Recipe
sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a

time, beating well (with a wooden spoon) after
each addition. Stir in the flour and salt and beat,
with a wooden spoon, until the batter is smooth
and glossy and comes away from the sides of the
pan (about one minute). Remove 1/2 cup of the
brownie batter and set it aside. Place the
remainder of the brownie batter evenly onto the
bottom of the prepared pan.
Then, in the bowl of your food processor (or with

a hand mixer), process the cream cheese until
Ingredients smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla, and egg and
process just until creamy and smooth. Spread
Brownie Layer: the cream cheese filling evenly over the brownie
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into layer. Spoon small dollops of the reserved
pieces brownie batter evenly on top of the cream
4 ounces (115 grams) unsweetened chocolate, cheese filling. Then, with a table knife or
coarsely chopped wooden skewer, swirl the two batters without
1 1/4 cups (250 grams) granulated white sugar mixing them.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs Bake in the preheated oven for about 25
1/2 cup (65 grams) all purpose flour minutes or until the brownies start to pull away
1/4 teaspoon salt from the sides of the pan and the edges of the
brownies are just beginning to brown. Remove
Cream Cheese Layer: from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, at room Refrigerate the brownies until they are firm
temperature enough to cut into squares (at least two hours).
1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated white sugar Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract by lifting with the ends of the foil and transfer to
1 large egg a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 16
squares. It is a good idea to have a damp cloth
Procedure nearby to wipe your knife between cuts. These
brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for
Cream Cheese Brownies: Preheat oven to 325 several days.
degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in
the center of the oven. Have ready a 9 x 9 inch Source:
(23 x 23 cm) square baking pan that has been
lined with aluminum foil across the bottom and Medrich, Alice. 'Cookies and Brownies'. Warner
up two opposite sides of the pan. Books, Inc. New York: 1999.
In a stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over

a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter
and chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the
39
Song Lyrics
Your Grace Is Enough Think About His Love
Chris Tomlin Don Moen
Great is Your faithfulness, oh God Think about His love, think about His goodness
You wrestle with the sinner's heart Think about His grace that's brought us trough
You lead us by still waters and to mercy For as high as the heavens above
And nothing can keep us apart So great is the measure of our father's love
Great is the measure of our Father's love
So remember Your people So great is the measure of our Father's love
Remember Your children
How could I forget His love
Remember Your promise, oh God
And how could I forget His mercies
He satisfies, He satisfies, He satisfies my desires
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough Think about His love, think about His goodness
Your grace is enough for me Think about His grace that's brought us trough
For as high as the heavens above
Great is Your love and justice, God So great is the measure of our father's love
You use the weak to lead the strong Great is the measure of our Father's love
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
So remember Your people


Your grace is enough for me
Yeah, Your grace is enough
So remember Your people


Yeah, Your grace is enough
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COMMUNITY BUILDER 6: forgiveness
LOVING ONE ANOTHER: BECOMING A COMMUNITY OF GARCE
Tuesday
Monday Text: Matthew 18: 23 – 35
Text: Matthew 6: 14 – 15 I believe that unforgiveness causes so many ripples in
Forgiveness is not initially about the person who the seen and unseen world because of how much it is
wronged us; it's about us. If we will not forgive tied up with the character of God, and how much Satan
someone who failed to meet our expectations, we despises the things of God. God went to such a great
start to change on the inside. We grow in anger extent to forgive us and to show us His love that He
and resentment. The quality of our own life sent His own divine Son to die for us on the cross.
continuously suffers and in this way, we When we reject forgiving others, we reject the greater
compound the wrongdoing until it becomes message of forgiveness and reveal our lack of
something far more damaging than it originally understanding regarding God’s character and His gift to
was. us.
One of the most important reasons we must This is pictured by the man who had been forgiven his
forgive is that we cannot grow into the mature great, great debt and then refused to forgive his servant
Christian whom Jesus is calling us to be with all that for a minute debt owed to Him. We have been forgiven
hurt and animosity building up inside us. a debt that is greater than any debt this world has even
Forgiveness is that act by which we release known, yet we reveal our ungratefulness, our self-
ourselves from our own prison of bitterness. centeredness, and our pride when we refuse to forgive
(Michael Lane) those who have stepped on our toes. Let us reveal our
1. Why should we forgive? forgiving God of the Bible to the world by our
2. What happens when we forgive others? forgiveness. Don’t choose to drink your own poison…or
When we choose not to forgive? even saltwater. (Carl T)
3. Do you consider yourself a forgiving
person? 1. How did Jesus explain unforgiveness to others
4. Can you remember the time when you through the story of the servant and the king?
accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and 2. Do you sometimes have the tendency to only
received His forgiveness? look at offenses done to you and not at the
5. How did you feel at that moment? Can grace God has done to you?
you remember the experience? 3. What have you learned about God through
PRAYER: Pray for wisdom and discernment from your experience of forgiving others and
God as we go deeper into the topic of forgiveness. receiving forgiveness from others?
Pray that God will reveal to us areas in our lives 4. Is there someone in your life that you need to
where we need to release forgiveness or on the forgive?
other hand ask forgiveness from others.
PRAYER: Pray that God will give you the strength to
forgive those who have hurt or offended you. Pray for
your family that God will teach and develop the
character and attitude of being forgiving.
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Wednesday
Text: Colossians 2: 13 – 15
C.S. Lewis put it this way: “We find that the work of forgiveness has to be done over and over again. We, forgive, we
mortify our resentment; a week later some chain of thought carries us back to the original offense and we discover the
old resentment blazing away as if nothing had been done about it at all. We need to forgive our brother seventy times
seven not only for 490 offenses but for one offense.” Forgiveness is not only a struggle, but it’s a very important
struggle. If we truly want to live in communion with God, then we have to learn to forgive as He forgave. The real lesson
to be learned is that the struggle to forgive is the struggle to be like Jesus.
1. What do you think is Paul talking about here regarding forgiveness, written code and regulation?
2. How did Christ deal with it?
3. How did Christ triumph on the cross? How can we share in this triumph?
4. How does knowing our victory on the cross through Christ make a difference in our lives and in our relationships?
5. Have you been forgiven by someone? How did it feel? How did you respond? What was the result?
PRAYER: Pray for somebody you know who is struggling with forgiveness. Pray that God will give that person the strength to
forgive others and be at peace with their lives. Pray that God will give you the opportunity to minister to this person and become a
source of blessing to her or him.
Thursday Friday
Text: 2 Corinthians 10: 4 – 5
Screen your thoughts. Let the Word of God be the grid Text: Philippians 8: 4 – 9
of your mind. Reject the thoughts that aren't It’s not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We’ve got
compatible with the Bible. Ask yourself these to let the good stuff in. It’s not enough to keep no
questions: lists of wrongs. We have to cultivate a list of
blessings. The same verb Paul used for “keeps” in the
▪ What's the source? phrase “keeps no list of wrongs” is used for “think” in
▪ Where will it lead me? Philippians 4: 8: “whatever is true, whatever is
▪ Is this scripturally sound? honorable… think about these things.” Thinking
▪ Is this thought going to build me up or tear me conveys the idea of pondering – studying and
down? focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact
▪ Can I share this thought with someone else? on us. Rather than store up the sour, store up the
▪ Does this thought make me feel guilty? sweet. If you want to make a list, then list his
▪ Does this fit who I am as a follower of Jesus? mercies. List the times God has forgiven you. (Max
Lucado)
Reject ungodly thoughts. If you ask yourself the
1. Paul lists several characteristics of the kind thoughts
questions above and realize the thought isn't godly,
that we are to entertain. Name them.
choose not to think about it again. Dwell on things 2. How can we fill our mind with such thoughts?
that are good, and practice living out those thoughts. 3. Why do we sometimes disobey this instruction? How
(Ralph Strongman) can unforgiveness be applied in this verse?
4. Why is it so hard to forgive sometimes?
1. What kind of weapons does Paul have in mind here?
5. Have you forgiven someone when forgiveness was
2. What kind of strongholds does Paul have in mind here?
really hard? How did you feel? How did the other
3. How do these weapons demolish strongholds?
person respond?
4. Do you have strongholds in your mind that continue to
stand because you do not want to surrender them?
5. How can we apply the promise of victory given by PRAYER: Take this time to evaluate yourself, how are
Christ against such strongholds, arguments and every you in the aspect of forgiving others and asking for
high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of forgiveness from others? Do you need to forgive
God? someone? Do you need to ask forgiveness from
Prayer: Pray for all members of your family (one by someone? Are you holding on to the wrongs that
one). Pray that God will move mightily in each person’s others have done to you? Confess and ask forgiveness
life that all will learn to forgive each other every time. from God. Pray that God will give you the strength to
Pray that love will reign supreme in each family. obey him in this area and that you can settle whatever
Continue to pray for that friend you know who needs it is you need to settle with others. Pray that God will
to hear the message of salvation, pray that God will prepare your heart, mind, and spirit for worship. 42
begin to work around the life of that person, pray also
for opportunities where you can share the gospel to

Becoming A Community of Grace

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Becoming A Community of Grace

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Community Builder Lessons: Love

Let us start our time together with a game.

Honey if you love me…

Let us start by doing a simple icebreaker.

Finish the Sentence

▪ The best job I ever had was...

1. Slow down and look with concern

From the four suggestions above:

6. Potion to Anti Envy:

8. More discussions on Hebrews 12:2

Singing I love You, Lord.

Text: Genesis 37: 1 -11 Tuesday

1. Read the verse/s together

2. Get insight/s from the verse/s

Application Point: Think, Pair, Share, Pray

Humble Thyself In The Sight of the Lord

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect Tuesday

PRAYER: Spend a few minutes asking God for

Text: Romans 12: 3 - 10

1. Listen from the heart

2. Keep your promises

1. My roommate/workmate complains about everything. He/she sounds like a dripping faucet

reads the collects LOVE memorizes the Coffee wears a pair of

reads the collects LOVE memorizes the Coffee wears a pair of

Small Group Leader’s

Text: Romans 12: 16

Location: Anywhere, sitting in a circle

Take It to the Next Level

James 1:20 gives the reason why: Man is swift to anger;

Times Of Refreshing In His Time

Times of refreshing In his time, in his time

Times of refreshing In your time, in your time

Breaking into Groups

Take It to the Next Level

Let's see what happened.

sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a

Then, in the bowl of your food processor (or with

In a stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over

So remember Your people

Your grace is enough

So remember Your people

Your grace is enough

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