![]() ![]() Conquering Comparison to Live Out God’s Plan and founder of the non-profit organization, More Than Yourself, Inc. Kristine Brown is a communicator at heart who teaches about God’s powerful, relatable Word. So my advice to that friend who longs for connection? Join a small group Bible study. And who knows? You may discover other unexpected benefits along the way. Instead, let’s learn from those experiences and resolve to move forward in love.Ī thriving Bible study will be evident by the strong leadership, supportive members, and the sense of community you feel. Don’t allow the enemy to discourage you from trying again. If you’ve considered joining a group Bible study, don’t let a bad experience cause you to question. We are all imperfect beings, and as such we are vulnerable to causing hurt, or being hurt by others – even our Christian brothers and sisters. ![]() How can two groups be so different? My friend realized an important truth. She wondered how God’s Word could be taught without love, when God is love ( 1 John 4:8). Some of us have experienced this in group Bible study, and it’s never easy.Ī wise friend told me she attended a Bible study where she never felt loved, but she later found a group where she received the unconditional love of Christ from her first moment there. I don’t like to cause conflict, but the reality is that sometimes God’s Word is not taught in love. Number five is hard for me to talk about, because I know it’s not always the case. Group Bible study can be a place to find unconditional love. What can we learn from their example? How do their actions affect our faith? Without a doubt, watching someone shine through adversity lets us know we can face anything with Christ who gives us strength. Maybe you have a friend who’s faced unimaginable trials but still prays daily for others. ![]() Maybe you know someone who’s lost a loved one yet chooses to reach out to those in need. Just seeing a woman of God living out abundant faith encourages me. “…that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” ( Romans 1:12. Group Bible study provides encouragement. This open communication brings us closer together as a community.Ĥ. We can look at Scripture through this lens, and share our viewpoints with one another. From our life experiences, we each develop a unique perspective. “…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God,” ( 2 Corinthians 1:4).īible study groups reflect the diversity of our world. God also opens our eyes to others in need, providing opportunities to serve the body with Christ-like love and generosity. By growing in our knowledge of God, we will be more prepared to mentor those who are new to the faith. ![]() Just as God brings us friends to support us, He will also provide opportunities for us to serve others. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” When we affirm His promises in the company of other believers, we “let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes” ( Ephesians 4:23). God orchestrates relationships and brings us the right person to pray with us. We meet other women who’ve been there, who understand. He attempts to affirm those thoughts that say, “No one wants me around.” He wants us to feel alone.īut when women get together centered on God’s Word, friendships form. We have an enemy who loves to separate us from other believers. Sometimes we face difficult circumstances. When we’re tempted to let other things get in the way, a phone call or text saying, “We missed you,” motivates us to stay on track. Our study group members double as accountability partners. We all have good intentions to stick with Bible study plans at home, yet distractions provide one reason after another to postpone. From their responses, I’ve compiled these top five unexpected benefits of group Bible study.ġ. I asked them what they discovered in their group that they didn’t expect. I chatted with a local band of women who live out exactly what a Bible study should be. To determine the most unexpected benefits of group Bible study, I went straight to a trustworthy source. These benefits can provide the refreshment we need in times of loneliness or uncertainty. However, there are also unexpected benefits to attending. We also expect to hear sound teaching and grow in our faith. When we join a Bible study group, we expect to learn more about God’s Word. Because committing to a weekly Bible study group is the last thing on her mind right now. With those few words, I sense her skepticism. Find a local ladies’ Bible study to join. She asks what I would do in her situation, and my answer comes as a surprise. But she struggles to find the fulfillment she needs right now. She recently moved, and she longs for connection in her new community. ![]()
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