Sam McKern Sam McKern

Series: Don’t Take The Bait / Week 1 (9/6-9/12)

ICEBREAKER

What is something completely harmless that annoys you WAY more than it should?

EXAMPLES:

· People who don't return their shopping cart

· Someone driving slowly in the left lane

· People who chew loudly

· Getting a text that just says “K”

· Someone leaving 3 seconds on the microwave

· People who don't use their blinker

· Your spouse squeezing the toothpaste “wrong”

· Someone taking forever to order when they’ve been standing in line for 10 minutes

TRANSITION

We laugh about the little things, but offense can become serious when we allow it to stay in our hearts. Jesus told us offenses will come. The question isn't whether we'll ever be offended; it's what we do when offense comes.

DISCUSS

1. What do you think is the difference between being hurt or offended and actually living offended?

2. The sermon compared offense to bait sitting inside a trap. Why is offense such tempting “bait”?

Read Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

3. Why do you think overlooking an offense requires wisdom and strength, rather than weakness?

4. The message said an offense we refuse to release can eventually become bitterness. What are some signs that hurt has started turning into bitterness?

5. How can bitterness begin affecting areas of our lives that had nothing to do with the original hurt—our marriage, children, friendships, work, leadership, or relationship with God?

6. The sermon challenged us to “step over” some offenses. What does that practically look like?

7. When we don't know someone's motives, we can fill the gap with either ACCUSATION or LOVE. Which one do you naturally tend toward?

8. What would change in our relationships if we became people who intentionally assumed the best?

PRAY

Ask Jesus to reveal any offense, hurt, or bitterness you may still be holding onto. Pray for the strength to forgive, step over the offense, assume the best, and walk forward in the freedom and future God has for you.

THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE

9. Is there an offense you're carrying right now that Jesus may be asking you to finally step over and release?

  • When you feel yourself becoming offended this week, pause before responding and ask: “Am I about to take the bait?”

  • Then choose to step over the trap, assume the best, and lead with love.

REMEMBER

God’s plans for your FUTURE are too BIG to hold onto an offense from your PAST.

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