On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by inviting God's presence and asking for wisdom, grace, and healing as you discuss this sensitive topic.
Icebreaker
Share one positive memory or tradition from your family growing up (keep it light to start).
Key Takeaways
Big Idea: God is for me.

1. God's Original Design: Marriage was God's idea - one man and one woman becoming one flesh for life (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-8)
2. God's Desire: God never desires divorce, but He does provide two biblical exceptions:
   • Sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9)
   • Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:12-15)
3. God's Grace: Divorce is not beyond Christ's restoration. God offers healing, repentance, and forgiveness regardless of your past.
4. God's Path Forward:
   • For those divorced outside biblical exceptions: remain unmarried or seek reconciliation (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)
   • For those remarried: redeem your current marriage by bringing it back to God's design
   • God's way is always better, though not always easier

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Message

1. What was your initial reaction to this sermon? What emotions or thoughts came up for you?
2. The pastor emphasized that "God is for you" throughout the message. Why is this truth so important when discussing difficult topics like divorce?
3. Read Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:6-9 together. What does it mean that marriage makes two people "one flesh"? How does this inform our view of marriage?

Personal Reflection

4. The pastor shared that "marriage is not the right answer to loneliness." What do you think he meant by this? How can the church family help address loneliness?
5. Where have you seen God's redemptive power at work in broken situations (in your life or others')? How does this give you hope?
6. The story of the woman at the well (John 4) shows Jesus offering grace despite her past. How does Jesus' response to her inform how we should respond to those who've experienced divorce?

Application and Growth

7. Read Romans 8:28 together. How have you seen God work "all things together for good" in difficult circumstances? How might this apply to families affected by divorce?
8. The pastor said, "God's path is battle-tested and will 100% of the time always run its course better than any plan you initiate on your own." What makes following God's way difficult? What makes it worthwhile?
9. For those currently married: What practical steps can you take this week to invest in your marriage and bring it closer to God's design?
10. How can our small group be a safe place for people wrestling with marriage struggles, past divorce, or family brokenness?

Practical Next Steps
Individual Reflection
Take time this week to prayerfully consider: Where is God inviting me to seek repentance or forgiveness?
Write down what comes to mind and bring it before the Lord in prayer.
For Those Currently Married

• Schedule a date night this week to talk about your marriage health
• Identify one area where you can better reflect Christ's love to your spouse
• Consider reading a marriage book together or attending a marriage conference

For Those Affected by Divorce

• If you're struggling with past or current divorce situations, reach out to a pastor for guidance
• Journal about areas where you need God's healing and forgiveness
• Consider joining a divorce recovery group or seeking Christian counseling

For Everyone

• Pray for the marriages in your small group and church family
• Look for practical ways to support single parents or those struggling in their marriages
• Participate in the Dear Neighbor Ministries food drive (through November 30th)

Scripture Memory
Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Prayer Requests and Closing

• Share prayer requests related to marriage, family, or healing from past hurts
• Pray specifically for:
  • Marriages in your group to reflect Christ and the church
  • Those dealing with divorce or contemplating it
  • Children and families affected by divorce
  • Wisdom and courage to follow God's path, even when difficult
  • The church to be a place of grace, truth, and healing

Important Reminders

• Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays in the group
• Grace and Truth: We hold both - speaking truth while extending grace
• No Shame: God offers healing and redemption regardless of past mistakes
• Get Help: If anyone is in an abusive situation or needs pastoral guidance, encourage them to reach out to church leadership