Week 5: Core Values
Opening verse:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
1 minute pause
Open in prayer
Discussion
Christian psychologist Gary Collins once said, “People who haven’t thought about their values are more easily swayed by circumstances, fads, and the opinions of others. In contrast, people who live in harmony with their basic life-governing values sense a greater inner peace and usually feel that their lives are on target and less out of control.”
There are a lot of effort ective exercises available for free that can help you identify core values in many areas of your life. In this session, we’re going to take a look at some of the most key values from the Bible taken from the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus as well as the Love Chapter and the Fruit of the Spirit that Paul wrote about.
Biblical Values Overview
When it comes to biblical values, our goal isn’t to work hard to try to be perfect in each area. Rather, our goal is to become more aware of each value in our personal life and invite the work of God to continually transform us in each area.
Values don’t operate as a checklist where the more areas you check off, the healthier you are. Values are more like anchors on a boat to help keep it from drifting on the sea. As you look at the values below, put a checkmark next to one value that you would like to clarify and prioritize more in your life:
1. Patience
Responding to conflict or frustration in a positive way without losing your temper
2. Kindness
Showing a friendly attitude, speaking words of encouragement, or being generous with your time
3. Compersion
Feeling a genuine excitement for others accomplishments, even if they don’t directly benefit you
4. Humility
Not seeing yourself as more worthy than others
5. Respect
Treating everyone with dignity the way we would like to be treated ourselves
6. Consideration
Taking into account other’s thoughts or feelings
7. Gentleness
Expressing yourself without letting your thoughts or emotions control you in a negative mannerism
8. Forgiveness
Not continuing to hold a matter over yourself or others
9. Justice
Advocating against others being unfairly taken advantage of
10. Integrity
Choosing to do the right thing, even if there are consequences or no reward
11. Protection
Standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves
12. Trustworthiness
Others can rely on you to do what you say you’re going to do
13. Hope
Expecting a good outcome even during an uncertain situation
14. Perseverance
Being consistent in your efforts to see a particular end result, even if it’s difficult
15. Joy
A state of mind consisting of both hope and peace
16. Peace
Bearing no ill-will toward others while maintaining an inner calmness
17. Goodness
Living in a way that never dishonors others
18.Faithfulness
Committing to doing what is best, even when it feels easier to do something different
19. Self-control
Being able to keep your emotions, thoughts and behaviors in check
20. Spiritually honesty
Being aware of your need for God’s power in your life
21. Mournful
Being able to grieve the loss of something in your life in a healthy way
22. Righteous
Living your life in obedience to what God says is best
23. Mercy
Easing or removing the rightful consequences of someone who’s wronged you
Once you’ve chosen your value, write it down and tell yourself the following moving forward:
“With God’s grace and support, I will prioritize becoming a person of __________.”
Group questions about each core value
When you think about a core value, what do you desire most deeply about it?
What people, circumstances or personal qualities would be impacted if this value was more prioritized in your life?
Read: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT
What do you think God is making known to you right now?
What next step could you take to help you prioritize this value in your life?