We had a great time this morning during with our encounter living room group. Lots of good conversation and application in what Jesus means in Matthew 5:38-42
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
Here’s the video we watched to spur some of the conversation…
It’s easy to talk in generalities about how we should react to strangers or the homeless or customers, etc. But the real application comes when we talk about those closest to us.
How does this change the way we relate to our spouse? Or our kids? Or our neighbor?
Reminds me of Paul’s instructions in his letter to the Philippians…
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. – Philippians 2:1-4
So what did you learn during your morning discussions? Or what stands out to you now?
I keep hearing more and more reports from folks who said they really enjoyed their get togethers which came in all sizes. I think the smallest group was 4 or 5 and the largest group had over 20. At least 100 people participated in encounter goes living room and I think everyone who participated was impacted in some way.
For those of you who missed out… or would just like to watch it again… here’s the video from the DVD we watched ::
Along with the video, each group discussed the following questions ::
what would the experience of church be like if it was less like a presentation, building, or club and more like a spiritual home of people each living to fully serve Christ and others?
what would it take for people to get to that level of understanding and living?
what would difference would it make to people far from God if the church had the feel of a spiritual home?
what difference will these truths mean for you?
I’d love to hear see some thoughts, reflections, follow-up from everyone involved. Let us know what you liked, didn’t like and/or what you were challenged by.
And for those who couldn’t make it – feel free to watch the video, read the questions and share your own answers and thoughts.
Thanks again to all the host homes and leaders who made yesterday possible! You all did a great job!
