No matter our life situations, we all have hurts, hang-ups, and habits which cause pain. Yours may be scars from an abusive childhood or relationship. You may have been betrayed or abandoned by a friend. You may suffer from addictions or situations such as financial struggles. Grief may be almost incapacitating you right now. God is near and asks you to come to Him for help.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What do you consider to be the characteristics of a great father? Have you ever felt you needed to earn someone’s love?
2. Read Psalm 34:18, 68:5, and 2 Corinthians 6:18. God has made promises to us. What do you see in these verses? Have you experienced the comfort of God’s Spirit and Presence? How might God’s promises about His roles inform your relationship with your parents, siblings, or family members?
3. Read Romans 5:12, 15, 17-18 and Philippians 4:6-8. We have all experienced the effects and scars of sin. How did sin come into the world? How do we receive “the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness” that takes away our sin? How do we choose to live a life of grace and peace? How do you choose joy over misery? Forgiveness over bitterness? Peace over worry? Gratitude over grumbling?
4. Read Hebrews 12:14-15 and Matthew 11:29. Have you ever been “done” with a relationship, putting it in the rearview mirror? Have you ever wanted to hang on to a grudge, anger, or old hurt? What can we do to remain at peace? What do we gain when we surrender, submit, or take on the yoke of Jesus?
5. This week: Choose one person to call, text, email, or visit as a way to surrender. Use the opportunity to promote peace. Even if the person you reach out to doesn’t respond to your message, it may be that sending it was the step you needed to take to help you release anger. Tap out. Surrender.
Also, if someone who has hurt or offended you suddenly initiates a friendly conversation or reaches out – reciprocate. Ask God how you can release all bitterness and choose peace this week.
Deeper
6. Let’s look at the story of Jacob and Esau to look at a case of hurt and reconciliation:
a. Genesis 25:27-28: With whom do the hurts and sin in this family begin?
b. Genesis 25:29-34: What fault lies with each brother in this passage?
c. Genesis 27:1-27: The story of the entire scheme to steal Esau’s birthright is complicated. Who does it seem is at fault here? How can you justify God blessing Jacob and making him the patriarch of Israel?
d. Genesis 27:30-35, 41: Did the successful plot to steal Esau’s inheritance call for his response? Have you experienced this level of betrayal or theft?
e. Genesis 32:3-8: How do you assume Esau is feeling about meeting Jacob? Why? What is Jacob obviously feeling?
f. Genesis 32:22-30: What do you make of this encounter? What made Jacob think he was wrestling with God? What did he gain by persevering?
g. Genesis 33:4-11: What was the final outcome? What did Jacob do to help in reconciliation? What did Esau do?