Sorry!!! I know that I am two weeks behind. I am sick right now and I can't think straight:>) I will catch up this weekend.
Love y'all!

Chapter Six

Forgiveness Mercy Healing Grace

Acceptance Second Chances New Beginnings

Connection Compassionate Redemption Authentic Vulnerable

"The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost." 1 Timothy 1:15

"...bridges are built between two who really aren't much different after all. Suddenly, we both know why we need a Savior." Kay Warren

"Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!" Psalm 103:1
vs 2 "...and forget not [one of] all His benefits"
vs 3 "Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,"
vs 4 "Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption. Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;"
vs 5 "Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!"
vs 6 "The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed."

We feel like if we don't judge people they might get away with something (or thing that we approve of it) but we don't have to judge people (better yet we're not even supposed to). We are supposed to love people!!! It goes back to trusting God with what He says. we have to trust Him for justice and mercy. After all - if we are the ones being judged then we want Him to be merciful, right? His mercy is for everyone!

It doesn't matter how close we are to righteous, we just aren't with Him (Romans 3:23). Our good intentions don't solve the problem (Romans 7:21). But...

"I love you, ____. I know it all, and I still love you."

Discussion Questions
1. What does Kay mean by the phrase "the mirror doesn't lie"? Were you taken aback by the shift from righteous indignation to the dramatic statement "The harsh reality is that give the right circumstance, any one of us is capable of any deed"?

2. Read the quote from Henri Nouwen that follows the phrase. Do you find yourself agreeing with or resisting his premise?

3. Consider Kay's metaphor of Carlsbad Caverns. Take a few minutes to privately consider the very worst of yourself buried deep withing your own subterranean caves. Are you afraid that God is shocked and repulsed by what he finds there? Are you prepared to invite God to flood your deepest crevices?

4. Kay identifies a truth that "changes everything." In what way does this truth change you?

5. How would you summarize this chapter's connection between understanding our own depravity and our personal involvement in ministering to the needs of others?

6. As you review this challenging chapter, look for all the good news, naming every positive truth you find encouraging. How does this final exercise affect your response to this chapter?