"Journey Of The Heart" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The condition of our hearts largely determines the course of our lives. Everything we do will be affected at some level by our spiritual heart health. How do we maintain a healthy heart? If we find ourselves harboring anger in our heart, then God calls us to forgive. The answer to persistent guilt within our hearts is repentance. If we’re becoming greedy, then God’s antidote comes through giving. Finally, our hearts may be fearful. God’s perfect love casts out all fear. If we walk with God on a journey toward a pure heart, then we’ll find that we are also moving toward God’s perfect will.

Main Passage

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”
- Proverbs 4:23, NLT

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Matthew 6:14-15

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
- Acts 3:19

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” ‭‭
- II Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-8‬ ‭NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
- ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
- ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a negative result in life that was related to a negative habit, emotion, or attitude that you held onto within your heart? What happened?

2. We need to check our hearts for anger, guilt, greed, and fear. Which is most relevant to you right now, and how might you respond with God’s Word?

3. How might an unhealthy heart be keeping you from God’s perfect will? Do you think developing your heart will help you along the path toward God’s Will?

"Heart Health" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Bible has a lot to say about maintaining healthy relationships, especially in regards to romance. The Book of Proverbs tells us to “guard our hearts.” We’re familiar with the concept of “heart health” in our physical bodies. The spiritual and emotional health of our heart is just as important! It’s more difficult to diagnose spiritual heart problems. Everything can look good on the outside; if our spirit isn’t healthy, then it’s often only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong. This is especially true when it comes to romance. Good habits can lead to a healthy physical heart. If we build good habits, like working toward covenant relationship and allowing passion to fill its purpose, then our spiritual hearts will be healthy too.

Main Passage

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
- Proverbs 4:23

“…and the two will become one flesh.”
- Ephesians 5:31

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Matthew 6:33

Discussion Questions

1. How does God’s Word differ from mainstream ideas about romance and dating? How does God’s Word impact your opinion on the subject?

2. Do you think that you have a healthy heart in a spiritual and emotional sense? What about in the area of romance specifically?

3. Think about the concept of guarding your heart in the context of your “relationship status,” and talk about what that means for you personally. Here are some sample questions:

   • Single: How might you be able to keep a healthy spiritual heart, whether you’re called to be single or in a relationship in the next season(s) of your life? How can you honor God with your intentions?

   • In a Relationship: Are you guarding your heart with your intentions and actions? Who helps you honor God as your journey?

   • Married: Are you protecting your covenant with God and your spouse in the way you guard your heart?

"What is Love?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God designed our hearts to look for perfect love. What should love look like, and where can we find it? We’ve all tried and failed to find perfect love in people. We know what it means to be disappointed by our spouses, family, friends, and even ourselves. This is because imperfect people can only give imperfect love. Perfect love can only come from a perfect God! God’s love is unlimited and unconditional. We can stay in God’s love by abstaining from lesser forms or expressions of love outside it. We’ll become increasingly satisfied by God’s love as we understand it more. God’s love also serves as the best standard for all of our relationships; therefore, we need to share God’s love as much as possible.

Main Passage

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
- 1 John 4:10

“9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
- John 15:9

“1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy… 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Philippians 2:1, 4

Discussion Questions

1. The Bible mentions different kinds of love, including romantic love, sensual love, friendly love, and family love. These forms of love can be great - but they eventually disappoint us. Have you been disappointed by love from any of these sources recently? Have you recently disappointed any of your loved ones?

2. God’s love is unlimited because He is, by nature, without limit. How do you think you might be able to grow in your experience or understanding of God’s love?

3. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, and set the ultimate example of love in the process. How would you describe God’s love? How might you be able to share God’s love, personally and practically?