As part of our sermon series, Formed: Who’s Shaping Your Life?, we are providing a weekly Small Group & Spiritual Reflection Companion to help us become more aware of what is shaping us and more intentional about placing our lives in the hands of Christ.

Download the complete Formed: A Study Companion for Small Group & Personal Reflection here. Enjoy this week’s guide below:

Opening Reflection

Anger can alert us that something is wrong, but it can also narrow our vision until another person becomes only an enemy, an obstacle, or an offense. Our culture often rewards rapid reaction. Jesus forms us for another response: a mercy that refuses to let hostility determine the shape of our character.

Jesus does not ask us to deny harm, remain in abuse, or call injustice good. He confronts retaliation and commands a love expressed through concrete actions. James gives this love an inner discipline: listen quickly, speak carefully, and submit anger to God. The word must become embodied conduct.

Scripture Focus

Luke 6:27–36

Discussion Questions

1. Which command in Luke 6 feels most difficult to you, and why?
2. How does Jesus distinguish Kingdom love from ordinary reciprocity?
3. What is the difference between refusing retaliation and avoiding truthful confrontation or justice?
4. How can anger offer useful information without becoming our master?
5. Why might listening be a spiritual discipline rather than merely a communication technique?
6. Where are Christian communities tempted to hear Jesus’ teaching without practicing it?
7. What would one faithful action: prayer, blessing, boundary, listening, or repair look like this week?

Formation Invitation

When irritation rises, pause before speaking or sending. Take three slow breaths and ask: What am I feeling? What good am I seeking? What response reflects both truth and mercy? If safety is at stake, seek help and establish a wise boundary. Otherwise, choose a response that refuses contempt.

For Further Reflection

Read Luke 6:20–49 and James 1:19–27. Notice how speech, action, mercy, and care for vulnerable people belong together.

Closing Prayer

Compassionate God, slow our anger and deepen our listening. Keep us from returning harm for harm. Give us courage to tell the truth, wisdom to set faithful boundaries, and grace to seek the good even of those we find difficult to love. Make us doers of your word. Amen.

Rev. Carrie Jones, Preaching