The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality

The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality

“It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature”

     Going Back, to Go Forward

     Engaging the Hard Emotions

     Slowing Down to Know Jesus

Discipleship Course Refection Questions

• Reread the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the Well in John 4:7-29. Imagine if Jesus engaged you as he does the Samaritan woman. What do you think he’d say to you? Consider Jesus’ request for living water (which he makes to connect with the soul-level thirst this woman feels) and his question about the woman’s husband (which leans into an especially painful and/or sinful aspect of her story). What request might he make of you to engage your deepest area of need? What part of your story might he lean into to pursue your healing/forgiveness/cleansing? Take some time to really allow God to speak to you as you engage this exercise.
• What kinds of fears feel most acute as you consider engaging the emotional side of your story?
• Read John 15:1-11. When was the last time you spent meaningful time abiding in Jesus? Are you able to do this kind of relational work with God as consistently as you’d like? Why or why not?
• Do you think “knowing yourself” is central to “knowing God” deeply? How do you understand the connection between the two?
• Spend time praying that God would prepare your heart for this discipleship journey. Pray also that he would equip you through this time to more lovingly and skillfully engage with others for their growth as disciples.