Having Spiritual Conversations

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

- Proverbs 27:6

Last sunday, we did an exercise where we would try and help each other discover their root issues (esp in regards to their weak fruit of the spirit).

We were given an exercise where we would imagine having a conversation with a difficult person in our life and we allowed the other people in our small group to ask us questions about why we find this person so difficult.

When we were planning for this sunday school, we realized that it was borderline 'Dr. Phil type of psychiatry', which isn't our intention. We also realize that it may be difficult for many of us to share this deeply with others that we don't know well. It is not our intention to make you uncomfortable.

BUT

after just 15-20 minutes into the activity, we see an urgent need for these type of conversations in our church. As leaders we need to be able to ask good questions. To be mindful of the person whom we're serving in order to demonstrate care. We may even have to ask tough questions in order to help the other person grow. I would question why we as Christians do not tend to do this more often?

When I look at some popular television shows, a lot of them have to do with demonstrating care or reconciliation in some way. I think about Oprah, or Dr. Phil, or even Extreme Makeover: House Edition... and all these shows are very popular for the very reason that people DO want to see goodness being demonstrated in this world. People DO want to see others be reconciled over family issues, poverty issues, etc.

So why can't we as Christians in TCBC begin to take small steps so that we will be open to this idea of reconcilitation?

I know it's tough, and I'm not asking that we become intimate friends with every single person in our congregation. But we need to be more inclusive with our relationships, always reaching out to the marginalized and demonstrating Christ's love.

And this starts with having spiritual conversations with others.

And that is why we're continuing this activity for this coming sunday.