MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Remember a time when someone hurt you. What was your initial response?
2. Are you surprised when you are hurt by someone else? Why or why not?
3. Read Luke 6:27-28. Describe what that meant to the original audience. How is it still revolutionary today?
4. Read 1 Samuel 24:1-2. How does David’s background help in a time like this?
5. Read 1 Samuel 24:3-4. Why did David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe?
6. Read 1 Samuel 24:5-6. How does David exhibit true leadership in this moment?
7. Describe a time when your “conscience bothered” you. Where does conviction come from? Where does shame come from? What is the difference?
8. How can we honor God above all in our decisions?
9. Read 1 Samuel 24:7. How do we honor God when we honor others?
10. Proverbs 20:22. What does having trust in God have to do with resisting the desire for revenge?
11. Do you think God’s revenge is a different response than what ours would be? How so?
12. Why is bitterness and hostility rampant in our culture? What is the root of this type of response?
13. Read 1 Samuel 24:8. Discuss the courage it took to respond this way to King Saul.
14. Read 1 Samuel 24:9-12. Have you ever expressed your own vulnerability to someone who has hurt you? Did it change the situation? If so, how?
15. Read 1 Samuel 24:16-22. Describe a time when you surrendered a situation to God. How difficult was it to do so? What did you experience afterwards?
16. Saul continues to pursue David after this. Do you think that his response to David previously was sincere? Why or why not?
17. Read 1 Samuel 26:7-11. Do you think this is a difficult or easy decision for David? Why?
18. What is the ultimate way to replace revenge with compassion to those who have hurt us?
19. How is God speaking to you about how to respond to difficult people?

Live It Out:

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19

A person after God’s own heart releases their right for revenge. How do we respond when people hurt us? Our call as followers of Christ is to be the people who show the world the heart of God. Who in your life has been difficult to love? Despite your hurt, resist the desire for revenge. Be humble, not hostile. Courageously trust God with the outcome.

Spend time with God this week, through His Word and prayer. Share with him your hurts and release any desire for revenge to Him. Talk with a trusted friend or those in your small group, too, letting them know that you want to respond not as the world does but as a follower of Christ.

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Samuel 24:1-11
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 24:12-20
Wednesday: 1 Samuel 26:1-16
Thursday: 1 Samuel 26:17-25
Friday: Luke 6:27-36
Saturday: Romans 12:9-21