Sunday, September 14, 2025

Galatians 6:1-2
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

I’m sure you’ve heard the “golden rule”: treat other people the way you want to be treated. But when it comes to actually living that way, things get a lot harder. When our relationships don’t go the way we want, sometimes what we initially believe is the best approach ends up getting us screwed.

Often, we assume we have the right approach to conflict. We plan ahead, rehearse what to say, and tell ourselves we’ll leave emotion at the door. But then we say something we regret (or if we’re being honest, we say something we should regret, but don’t). We leave things messier than before, and we wonder where it all went wrong.

As Jesus followers, saying we’re supposed to love each other is easy. But how do we practice what we preach when our relationships get problematic?

Jesus actually gives us an approach to conflict in the Bible. He shows us how to navigate conflict with one another in a way that shares burdens instead of increasing them. Handling conflict Jesus’ way takes gentleness and humility, so let’s prepare our hearts by asking God to increase those qualities in us as we enter this week.

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: What is the best conflict advice you’ve ever heard, and why do you find it helpful?

How can we, as a community of Jesus followers, practice gentleness and humility toward each other as we share each other’s burdens?

Read Matthew 18:15-20: Jesus specifically addresses how fellow Christians should handle conflict with each other. What do Jesus’ words about the presence of God among his followers in verse 20 mean within that kind of conflict?

How does knowing that God is with us as a community of believers shape your perspective and feelings toward complicated relationships with other Christians?

Reflect and Respond: What is one way that you can actively share the burdens of another follower of Jesus this week?

Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for being with me and with all those who are walking with Jesus alongside me. Even though my fellow Christians and I don’t perfectly love each other, I am grateful for the truth that you are there with us as we process our conflicts. Help me to see where I have fallen short in gentleness and humility and where I have increased their burdens. Please show me how I can more intentionally share their burdens as we walk the path of faith together. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

This post was written by Ashley Allen, a Content Development intern at CedarCreek and Findlay attendee.