Proverbs 18:1-4, 10, 12-13, 15-17, 19, 21, 24

Exodus 20:16

The Big Idea: Stop mindreading and actually talk to people

• Stereotypes are thoughts.

- Thoughts produce prejudices

• Prejudices are feelings

- Thoughts and feelings lead to Discrimination

• Discrimination is an action.

- Action creates culture.

All of this began in Genesis 3:

• I was afraid

• Because I was naked

• So I hid

Three Skills of Relational Wisdom: 

Skill #1: Stop mind reading 

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 

Romans 12:1 

Skill #2: Start Talking. Specifically, Clarify expectations.

Expectations need to be validated.

• Conscious

• Realistic

• Spoken

• Agreed upon

Have a DTR!

B.L.E.S.S. Them

Skill #3: Forgive

• Forgive them 

• Forgive yourself 

• Forgive God 

Mark 5:21-34 

RESPONSE:

• Take control of your thoughts by the power of the Holy Spirit

• Have the difficult conversation

• B.L.E.S.S. Your Oikos

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Matthew 26:36-41

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)