​We struggle to live at peace with others because the brokenness inside us inevitably leads to brokenness around us – impacting all of our relationships (especially marriage). But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus has come to restore our broken union with God, make us new and whole again so that we can bring his shalom into this world and fulfill our created purpose as God’s image-bearers.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Read Genesis 2:18-25. What was your understanding of the triune nature of God (the Trinity) and how is it impacted by this idea of "two becoming one" in the marriage union? 
2. What did you think of the examples of "unity in diversity" given as evidence of our soul's searching for goodness and beauty that was lost upon separation from God? Can you relate to any of them or think of any others in our culture or your experience? 
3. How does the marriage covenant picturing of "two becoming one" which Paul reveals as being about "Christ and the Church" impact the way you see God's heart and His desired relationship with humankind as his "image-bearers"? 
4. In what ways do you see the brokenness of relationships most prevalent around you (in marriage or other relationships)? How does the Bible's explanation of how things came to be compare with how the world tries to explain it?

FOR MARRIED COUPLES OR MARRIED GROUPS: You can find additional resources or exercises that will help build your marriage click HERE. Please use it to discuss with your spouse and/or a group with other couples. 

​We all struggle with insecurities because we are all in search of a true love that will make us feel secure, accepted and whole. Through the covenant of marriage God is expressing his unconditional love to the world and inviting us all into an inseparable union with Jesus that is secured by an unbreakable promise received by faith.

​SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Watch clip of Disney Pixar’s “Up”. What are some things we can learn about vows and promises from this clip?
2. Read Romans 8:35-39. When you think about the ways that the 'new covenant' of Jesus is greater than typical marriage vows what speaks to you from these words? 
3. Of the 3 points presented above (1. God's covenantal love shows us that his love is unconditional 2. God's covenantal love is received by faith and proven by faithfulness 3. God's covenantal love results in the formation of a spiritual union where 'two become one') which resonates with you the most? Which do you find most challenging to understand or embrace? 
4. How might remembering and reflecting upon God's covenant with us, help us to honor ours with our spouse (or the way we relate to others)?

​
FOR MARRIED COUPLES OR MARRIED GROUPS: You can find additional resources or exercises that will help build your marriage click HERE (updated weekly). Feel free to use it and discuss with your spouse and/or a group with other couples. 

We fall short of loving others perfectly because we are disconnected from the perfect love of God. But God created us with a powerful desire to love and be loved to draw us to Himself and created the marriage union between a husband and wife to reveal the nature of his great love for his people.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Would you agree or disagree with this statement: "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”? Why or why not? 
2. Read 1 John 4:7-21. What does the verse "God is love." mean to you? How does it affect the way you view God and change your ability to love and care for others? 
3. In what ways have you found yourself settling for "lesser loves" and in what ways do you see God calling you back to his eternal and ultimate love? 
4. If God created marriage to "reveal to the world the nature of His great love for His beloved" then how does this revelation and purpose speak to me in my life right now? 

​The joy of serving others with selfless humility can come only by understanding the mindset of Christ and reflecting on his cross and his glory.