The Persistence of Peace

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways have you seen friendship become easier as a young adult and in what ways have you seen it become more difficult?

2. Read Romans 12:14-18 together. As you read what things stand out about how to handle conflict?

3. From the video, think about the culture of hostility and persecution inflicted on the Christians in Rome. When you think about Paul's statements from these verses in relation to all that these Christians would have experienced, it gives a much greater picture of the difficulty of pursuing peace. Knowing what they faced, how does it challenge your thoughts on pursuing peace in your life? Also, discuss the challenges that you currently face as you pursue peace with people in your life.

4. What are some reasons that you believe the Lord is so passionate about us pursing peace with one another? Also discuss the statement from verse 18, "as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." How does this differ from just being told to be at peace with people? 

5. Read Proverbs 16:7 & Matthew 5:9. Kaleb mentioned in the video that

"peace is always the goal and it never stops being the goal that we ought to pursue in relationship." This persistence of peace gives us a better understanding of the heart of God. How does pursuing peace with people give you a better understanding of God's character and His heart towards people? 

6. Read Matthew 7:3-5 together as a group. What stands out in this passage about navigating conflict with other people and pursuing peace?

7. Discuss the statement, "it’s easier to call out a small fault in someone else than it is to admit even an obvious fault in ourselves." How do you see this to be true in your own life with how you handle conflict? 

8. Is there currently a conflict in your life that you need to take steps towards peace in? Discuss the level of conflict that it is and what is a step that you could take towards peace in that situation/relationship.

9. Toward the end of the video, Kaleb said "everyone ought to seek out that one person in your life who can be critically transparent with you and you'll hear whatever they have to say." Discuss your thoughts on a relationship like that in your life. Do you have a relationship like that currently? If so, share how you've seen that relationship be beneficial in your life. If not, what are some ways you might be able to seek that relationship out? 

End the night by praying together for peace in your relationships with people.