Cause and Defect

November 13, 2022 | Andy Stanley



Our reactions speak louder than words. Our reactions expose WHOSE we truly are. 



Discussion Questions

Start Talking

  • What typically causes you to overreact? 

    • Why do you think this is?

  • Share something you’ve witnessed, read, or heard about that was inspiring because it was so opposite of what was expected.

Read This

  • Read Matthew 5:38–48. 

    • What part of that passage stands out to you most? Why?

  • “Do not resist an evil person.” 

    • What is Jesus telling us here about how we should react to evil people? 

    • Is it hard not to act or react like everybody else would?

  • “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

    • What is Jesus teaching us here about obeying unjust authority?

    • How can you “go the extra mile” for someone in your life?

  • “Give to the one who ask you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

    • What is Jesus telling us here about meeting the needs of those in need in our lives?

    • Is it hard for you to be generous?

  • “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

    • What is Jesus telling us here about how we should treat others, even those we don’t get along with?

    • What can you do for someone who you feel has treated you unfairly?

What Now

  • If a reaction is an opportunity, can you think of an opportunity you missed recently? 

    • Or one that might have required an apology?

  • Think about something that happens in your home that gets on your nerves.

    • What is your normal reaction to that thing?

    • What would “like my Father in Heaven” look like in that situation?

  • What reaction pattern can you leverage this week as an opportunity to reflect God’s unexpected reaction to your shortcomings? 

    • What makes it so difficult and/or risky for you to do this?


Jesus commands us to react towards others the way He reacted toward us.

Additional Series Resources

Scripture: Matthew 5:16

Song: “Love Your Enemies” by Kyle Sigmon

Podcast: “Love Your Enemies” by Bible Project