Series: Don’t Take The Bait / Week 2 (9/13-9/20)
ICEBREAKER
What is the funniest or most harmless way you’ve ever tried to “get even” with someone? Maybe your sibling annoyed you, so you hid the remote. Your spouse ate your leftovers, so you finished their dessert. Someone scared you, so you spent the rest of the day planning how to scare them back.
TRANSITION
There is something in us that naturally wants to settle the score. When someone hurts us, we want them to understand what they did—and sometimes we want them to hurt like we hurt.
But this week's message makes an important distinction:
It’s right to want JUSTICE, but it’s wrong to take REVENGE.
DISCUSS
1. Why do you think getting even can feel so right when someone has genuinely wronged us?
2. What is the difference between JUSTICE and REVENGE? Can you want accountability for someone's actions without wanting to personally hurt them back?
Read Luke 6:27–28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
3. Why is this teaching of Jesus so difficult to actually live out?
4. The message says revenge may feel rewarding in the moment, but it never releases us from the offense long-term. Why do you think revenge can actually keep us connected to
the person who hurt us?
Read Romans 12:17–19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take
revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
5. What does it mean practically to “leave room” for God?
6. The message uses the picture of “tagging God in.” Where are we tempted to stay in the ring and fight battles that really belong to God?
Revenge gives us an illusion of control, but the message points out that the person who hurt us can actually begin controlling our thoughts, emotions, conversations, attitudes,and peace.
7. How can you recognize when someone who hurt you still has too much influence over your life?
8. The message says, “Revenge and trust cannot occupy the same space.” What do you think that means?
How is releasing revenge ultimately an act of trusting God?
Read Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
9. What would it look like for you to overcome evil with good instead of allowing someone else’s actions to determine the kind of person you become?
10. The message gives us three challenges: NAME the person, TAG GOD IN, and REDIRECT your energy toward something good. Which of those three is the hardest for you right now—and why?
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE
When you find yourself replaying an offense or imagining how someone should “pay” for what they did, stop and pray:
“God, I’m tagging You in. I give You this person, this situation, this hurt, and my desire to get even. I trust You with what happens next.”
Then intentionally redirect that energy toward something good.
REMEMBER
It’s right to want JUSTICE, but it’s wrong to take REVENGE.
God can handle the person who hurt you.
Jesus can heal what they did to you.