Free Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes by June Hunt

a variety of responses. Encourage members to share their own insights and experiences.
     
    Take a literal approach to Scripture unless the passage is clearly figurative. The Bible means what it says. While there is only one correct interpretation of a particular passage, there are many applications. Don’t argue over interpretations or obscure meanings. Give group members the freedom to express their views without fear of criticism or embarrassment.

    Respect members’ answers. Even if you disagree with someone’s comments or have a different perspective, resist the urge to prove your point or “win the argument.” Show your respect by saying, “I appreciate your thoughts about this,” Or, “I can tell you have been thinking about this subject.” If someone presents an opinion that is controversial, you might say, “I’ve never thought of it that way.” Or, “Does anyone else have another opinion?”

    Remember you are not responsible for the spiritual growth of another person. Spiritual growth takes place as the Spirit of God works in the life of each person. It does not occur at the same rate for everyone.

    Discuss questionable comments in private. If someone makes a judgmental, unwholesome, or off-the-wall comment, steer the person and the group back on track by saying, “That’s a concept I’d like to discuss with you at another time,” or “Let’s finish today’s study and then maybe you and I can discuss this afterward.” (If you say you will discuss it later, be sure to follow up.)

    Try to include everybody in the discussion. Some people are shy and reluctant to speak out in a group. Others may have problems they cannot openly reveal. Be sensitive to their unspoken needs and to those who are introverted.

    Gently keep long-winded people from dominating. While some people are reticent to speak out, others have the opposite problem—they talk too much. Offer a noncondemning statement such as: “You raise some good points. Does anyone else want to respond?” Or, “I wonder if someone else wants to share an opinion.”

    Learn to be comfortable saying, “I don’t know.” Just because you’re the leader doesn’t mean you have to know everything. It’s fine to say, “I don’t know the answer, but I will find out before our next meeting.” (Hope for the Heart has written Biblical Counseling Keys addressing such topics as identity, self-worth, and purpose in life, as well as over 100 other resources that can be obtained through the website at www.hopefortheheart.org .)

    Understand that silence is okay. When you ask a question, give the group members time to think. Wait quietly for several seconds so people can consider how they might respond.
     
    Rephrase the question if there is no response. You might say, “Let me put it another way…” Occasionally, you may want to drop the question entirely and move on to the next question.

    Share your answers last. Your answers to the discussion questions should be considered as equal in importance to the answers of any other member of the group. Usually it is best to give your opinion after the other group members have had a chance to express their thoughts.
     
    Close the meeting with prayer. If you’re nearing the agreed-upon ending time, ask if someone would like to close the study with prayer (or do so yourself). If time allows, you may choose to take prayer requests.
    It’s possible that, during the course of your study, you will observe certain participants who would make effective group leaders themselves. Consider encouraging them to seek the Lord’s guidance about leading their own Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes study with another person or group—taking what they have learned and sharing it with others, in the spirit of Proverbs 27:17.

Days 1-7
My Position in Christ
    “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken”

    (P SALM