2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4 Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'” ACTS 23:2-5 ESV

I must make God’s word the final word

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” PROVERBS 30:5 ESV
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. PROVERBS 25:28 ESV
In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. PROVERBS 14:26 ESV

I must let God’s mission screen my decisions

The plans of the heart belong to man but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. PROVERBS 16:1-2 ESV
Rescue those who are being taken away to death… PROVERBS 24:11 ESV
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce. PROVERBS 3:9 ESV

I must stop blaming others

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. PROVERBS 16:32 ESV
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out. PROVERBS 17:14 ESV

Community Group Discussion Questions

1. Who would you describe as the “safe people” in your life? What helped you to trust them as a safe space?
2. Read Acts 23:2-5. What was Paul’s reaction when he was made aware of the fact that he was dishonoring God’s word even in the face of being in an unsafe space?
3. How do you normally respond to relational conflict? Do you tend to look for ways to create unity or do you tend to stand your ground?
4. Where does your typical response to conflict come from and how does it impact your relationships?
5. What part of God’s word (the Bible) is difficult for you? How do you respond to that difficulty between you and God?
6. What is one step you can take to become more of a safe space for others and how can your group support you?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be alone with God. Take a few moments to simply be still before God, the creator of relationships. As you do, take some time to know that you’re in a safe space, that you’re in a safe relationship even if your circumstances try to tell you something different. Rest in the safety of God’s presence. Next, open a conversation with God about how you relate to others. As you do, ask God to show you the ways in which you relate well to others. Take time to look at those attributes, celebrating them and thanking God for them. Then ask God to show you one step you can take that would improve your ability to relate to others. Talk with him about what it looks like to take that next step as well as who you should talk to about it. When you’re done, close your time thanking him for your time together.