When I wrote Healing Love I wanted to include discussion questions, but there wasn't time to develop them before I needed to release the book.
New copies in ebook or print will have these included. For those who purchased the book previous to the inclusion I'm posting them here. Please feel free to download, print and use these for group or personal contemplation. |
Questions for Group or Individual Contemplation
Today gossip and rumor would not lead to a couple deciding to marry. Vicious, evil speech is still prevalent, however. Can you think of people whose lives have been vastly altered because gossip or rumors? Has your life been affected in this way?
Do you feel that Pastor Peter’s advice to let God show the truth was a good way to deal with gossip? Why do you think it didn’t work in Sterling and Lydia’s case?
Lydia’s abusive past colored the way she reacted to Sterling. What was his approach in helping her learn to trust him? Was it something which worked quickly or did it take time? Why or why not?
Sterling was an accomplished, successful physician. How did this impact the way he saw himself? In what way did this impact Lydia?
Does Cyrus seem plausible and real? Why or why not? Would the way he treated Lydia, and then pursued her be something which could occur today?
While they were having Bible study Lydia commented: “I think that if the husband does that it would be very easy for the wife to submit to him. He wouldn’t only be thinking about his wants but also what his wife wants and needs. He might even put hers before his own.”
Eph. 5:25-28 WEB says: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.
If your husband treated you as these verses instruct would you have an easier time submitting to him? Why or why not?
If you treated your wife as these verses instruct do you think she would be more willing to follow your leadership? Why or why not?
Eustace came asking Sterling and Lydia’s forgiveness for his part in the gossip which lead to their marriage. It takes a truly humble person to face a person, admit they were wrong and ask their forgiveness. Matt. 5:23 WEB “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Why is it so hard for us to do this? Have you ever done this? Was it difficult? Why or why not? How did you feel after? Did the person accept your apology?
Has someone come to you seeking forgiveness? Did you forgive them? Why or why not?
Sterling had built up an intense dislike for Cyrus before he even knew him. His anger culminated in his desire to shoot Cyrus when he attacked Lydia. Was his anger a righteous anger? Why do you think Sterling handed the shot gun to Drew?