Killing it with the letter of the law

Many Christians focus on Old Testament law to judge others, but Paul knew true life comes from loving ministry, investing in others, rather than in pronouncing legalistic judgements (2 Co 3:6). Are you investing in people with love, or just offering judgment?

Greed covered by nobility

A woman lovingly anointed Jesus’s feet, but the disciples masked their greed with noble-sounding criticism over the cost (Mark 14). When have you used virtue to disguise self-interest?

Awesome labels?

 

The disciples used labels like “leper” (Mark 14) to categorize people, but Jesus challenged those labels—calling His followers to see the person behind them. Oddly, we still use terms like “the harlot” or “the doubter,” do describe biblical characters. What labels keep you from seeing people as people?

Stop the Story

 Jesus's revolutionary act of engaging conversation with a Samaritan woman resulted in a city-wide revival (John 4). How might God's kingdom be promoted if the church followed Jesus's example of receiving and empowering those our society shuns?

If you must perform good works...

Christians reconcile James and Paul by understanding that true faith produces good works (James 2, Eph 2). Yet today, “works” are often reduced to worship, recruitment, or politics—far from James’ call to care for those in need. So, how does your faith show up in action?

 

Prove me wrong, or just eat cookies

 Christians seem to take great pride and pleasure in scoring verbal 'wins' and in 'owning' their competition. When give the same opportunity, Paul refuses to engage in debate and instead supports another preacher who seems to be gaining in popularity (1 Co 3:1-9).  Do you look for 'spiritual fights' or do you follow Jesus's example of seeking peace?

Demoniz-er

Christians seem to 'demonize' each other even though we know that God loves all of us the same way and to the same degree (Titus 2:11). Who do you find yourself 'demonizing' or condemning as excluded from God's love?