Group LaunchSample

Relationships are hard. Dealing with people takes a lot of hard work, and many times you walk away feeling worn out, apathetic, annoyed and frustrated. You know what I am talking about, right? Haven’t you been around people like that? 

Maybe you have been in a group where one particular person dominates the conversation. Maybe you have been around a friend or a friend’s friend that is always pessimistic—thinks every time she gets sick, she has cancer—or he always tells a story of how bad he has it as his job or in his marriage. Dealing with needy, frustrating people sometimes makes you just want to wash your hands and walk away. Maybe someone else will deal with them. 

Paul tells us to live a different way. He urges us, pleads with us, begs us to be gentle and patient with each other. If you want to be unified as followers of Jesus and if you want to be unified with the people in your group, Paul tells us we have to be patient, humble and gentle. 

Are you that type of person? Do you give compassion to those around you? Groups and people will be messy, but you were created and designed by the Creator and Designer to walk through the mess. Pray that you can be more patient, humble, gentle and compassionate so your group will be completely unified with each other and the mission Jesus has sent forth to us.

Questions:

When is the last time you showed compassion to someone outside of your tight family and friend circle?

Have you ever been completely unified with a group of people?