Bottom Line: Peace is simple but not easy.

START TALKING
When have you had to do a task or project that was simple, but it wasn’t easy?

Have you ever had to have a simple conversation with someone, but it wasn’t easy to have?

START THINKING
Read Matthew 5:21:22. What do you think Jesus means by saying if you’re even angry with someone, or call them an “idiot,” or curse someone that you’re in danger? What do you think Jesus is really trying to say here? Are those things the problem or are they symptoms of something else?

Read Proverbs 4:23. What does this verse seem to indicate about where those symptoms in the previous questions stem from?

START SHARING
Read Matthew 5:23-24. What are reasons we tend to avoid doing what this passage tells us to do?

What detours do we tend to take before going DIRECTLY to someone to pursue peace? Why can this be so destructive and cause more drama?

Read Matthew 5:9. How have you had to work for peace in a situation, following Matthew 5:23-24? What did you see come from that?

START DOING
Read Matthew 5:25 and Ephesians 4:26. If pursuing peace is top priority, what steps do you need to take this week? Today even?

Remembering Matthew 5:9, how WILL you work for peace? Who in your life do you need to have a conversation with?

Are there any conversations you need to have with God to work on peace within yourself so that it can be the catalyst for peace with others?

START PRAYING
Who do you need to pray for God to bring reconciliation with?

Pray together with your Micro Church for those people and for each other to take the necessary steps to pursue peace in all the ways we discussed!