One of the big lessons I’ve learned as a parent and watching other parents over the years is this:

Great parents set rules for their kid.

And then when appropriate, great parents break their own rules.

In the gospels we see Jesus get in trouble with the religious leaders all the time for breaking rules and many times that's confusing for us as followers of Jesus.

Questions for your small group discussion or personal study:

1. Do you tend to follow rules to the letter, bend them or break them? How do you think that tendency has influenced the way you view God?

2. Is it difficult for you to believe that God values you above His own rules? Why or why not?

3. What is something you can do this week to prioritize loving God and loving other people over what’s comfortable for you personally?