Small Group Discussion Guide

Series: Gratitude

Week 2: Deepens relationships

Discussion Questions

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

Describe your Thanksgiving gathering this year. Was it peaceful, chaotic, funny, or something in-between? What made it that way?

What’s one thing you’ve been especially grateful for recently?

What is it about gratitude that makes it so contagious?

Read Colossians 3:15–17 and Romans 5:1-2

What does it look like to have “the peace of Christ ruling” in our heart?

How does knowing we have peace with God shape the way we treat others?

Paul teaches that since Jesus made peace between God and us, we should live as peacemakers with one another. Are there relationships that you know you need to extend that peace to someone else?  If so, who would that be?

Paul says the message of Christ should “dwell” in us. What does it mean for it to “dwell” in us and not just visit occasionally?

When we think about our reactions, words, or responses to people, what do they reveal about who or what is dwelling in us?

Our truth this week was: “The common bond of the cross creates thanksgiving.”

How does living forgiven help us live grateful?

How does remembering the cross change the way you see the people around you?

Read Ephesians 2:14–18

Paul describes Jesus tearing down dividing walls and creating one new humanity. What dividing walls do you see Jesus trying to tear down within the church today?

How have you experienced the beauty of unity in a diverse church family?

Matt shared the idea, “If Jesus can’t sign His name to it, we shouldn’t do it.” How does that thought challenge you personally?

How might your speech, online presence, work ethics or relationships shift if you lived with this filter?

This week’s challenge is to intentionally thank someone. Who is one person you could express gratitude to this week, and why?

What are you going to do to thank them?