Description
Many of us find it difficult to address spiritual issues
with patients whose lifestyles are significantly different from our own. Jesus
is a powerful example for us in His willingness to leave the comforts of heaven
behind, in order to rescue us from our inappropriate lifestyle. We have far
more in common with the LGBTQ community than we might first realize. Everyone
struggles with identity issues, and our ability to share the Good News of Jesus
Christ with others is directly related to finding our identity in Christ.
Discussion Questions
1. What from this video inspired, edified or
challenged you?
2. What
fears come up when you think about sharing good news with LGBTQ patients? What
have you learned about the love of God that would help you with these fears?
3. Carefully
read over John 4:7-26. What can we learn about dealing with marginalized and
rejected people from Jesus? How can we specifically imitate Him?
4. How
can we notice things to affirm in people around us? For motivation, check out Philippians
4:8. How can we practice this with LGBTQ patients?
5. Read Proverbs 15:1. What reminder
does this verse give us in dealing with angry people? Give some examples
of “soft” or “gentle” words.
6. How
can we communicate comfort to patients when they express psychological or
emotional pain? What phrases or stories can we use to tangibly give comfort to
LGBTQ patients?
7. Read
Ephesians 1:3-14.What does Paul list here as aspects of our identity in
Christ? How has God taught you about your identity, and how could you
share your story about that?
8. What aspects or attributes of Jesus would you want your LGBTQ patients to experience in their interactions with you?
9. When we deal with patients who have experienced great pain, how can the following verses help us? Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Give some specific examples of how we can show compassion and comfort.
10. How has God taught you about your identity, and how could you tell your story about that?
11. Colin Smothers
references the fact that some think of God as a “cosmic kill-joy.” Does this
thought ever enter your mind? How do you seek to combat it?
12. What is one take-home item from today's session that you hope to implement?