Why are some Christians so Mean? Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

1. What’s something funny, weird, or even offensive you’ve seen on a Christian T-shirt, bumper sticker, or social media post?
2. The first reason Ryan shared for why some Christians act so mean is that “we can make Christianity about Christians instead of Christ.” What comes to mind when you hear that statement?
3. Have you ever felt embarrassed or conflicted by the behavior of other Christians? What happened?
4. How can we personally make Jesus the center of our faith—not a church, pastor, denomination, or cultural brand?
5. The second reason Ryan shared for why some Christians act so mean is that “we value fairness over generosity.” Take turns reading Matthew 20:1-16. How does the parable in Matthew 20 challenge our ideas of fairness and God’s grace?
6. Instead of valuing fairness over generosity, Ryan encouraged us to “give away what we didn’t deserve.” What are some practical ways we can do that this week?
7. The third reason Ryan shared for why some Christians act so mean is that “we want to be first.” Instead, he said that we should race to the end of the line. What does that look like in everyday life?
8. Why is serving others such a powerful antidote to pride and meanness?
9. What’s one change you want to make this week in how you reflect Christ to others?
10. Who is someone you need to show more grace to, even if they “don’t deserve it”?
11. Pray for one another and for what God is inviting us to do this week to show the love of Christ.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

So the last will be first, and the first will be last. (Matthew 20:16)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)

• There are several great resources on the various questions in the Reddit Hole series on our website. Find them here.
• Spend some quiet time alone with God (aim for 5–15 minutes, or more), slowly reading Psalm 139:23-24 several times. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any ways that you might be acting mean or offensive.
• Think of one change that you can make to reflect Christ more to others, and follow through on it this week. Then, share with someone in your group how it went after making that change.
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