First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: Tomorrow is your day off, and you have to decide whether to do housework, yard work, some other project, or some sort of leisure activity. What are you likely to choose? What goes into making that decision for you?

A way to pray: Pray for each other to grow in humility and in seeking to see and love others the way God does.

• Treasuring God: Why am I especially grateful that God looks at the heart rather than the outward appearance? (1 Samuel 16:7)

• Being Transformed: How do I typically react when God’s choice costs me my pride or control? What can I do to begin to change that reaction?

• Loving Others: What external traits (e.g. personality, looks) can make it hard for me to love someone like God does? What would choosing to love look like?

• Pursuing Unity: God chooses what the world despises to display his glory and grace. How have I seen this in my life? How does it impact the way I see others?