Review:  Last week we were challenged to consider some specific, concrete ways to show honor, respect, or devotion to a spouse or good friend. How did that go? If in a group, spend a moment sharing any praises or challenges. 

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence.  Then read through Matthew 5:33-48 paying attention to any word or phrase that stands out to you.​

Phil mentioned that he believed at the heart of the passage is the idea to 'Remember who we are.' Read Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13-16. Why is it helpful and important to remember this overarching idea?

On Sunday we discussed two different characteristics of being salt and light. Which personally strikes you most challenging and why? 

1. ​We are a people who keep our word (Mt 5:33-37).

2. We are  people of radical, extra-ordinary grace toward others, even our enemies (Mt 5:38-48).

What logistics, feelings, or things can get in the way of you keeping your yes or no? What are the costs to us and those around us if this becomes a pattern? On the flip end, what are the gains if our pattern is to keep our yes or no?

Matthew 5:38-48 describes a people of radical, extra-ordinary grace toward others, even their enemies. Read that section again, and consider which statement of Jesus is the most radical and gracious to you and why? And if possible, get real and be honest. After all, Jesus is giving real life examples here about real life. What real life person or situation might God be nudging you to give His radical grace?

Read 2 Cor. 8:9 and Romans 5:6-8. How does remembering and receiving Christ's radical, gracious love toward us help us to live out His commands in the Sermon on the Mount? 

In response to this, Phil recommended three ways to move forward. Take a moment to discuss each and what it might look like this week.

1. Behold Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18).​

2. Pray.

3. One step at a time. (What's your next step? [Matt 7:24])