Week 3
When We Feel Resentful
Even though most moms we know struggle with resentment at times, it’s rarely raised with friends as a struggle to be confessed and released. Whether triggered by dirty socks or deep injustices, resentment crowds out joy and poisons our relationships. That’s why Jesus invites us to bring it to him.
In Luke 10, Jesus visits Martha’s home. At first, she’s probably delighted and honored to host him: he’s not only her beloved friend, but an increasingly famous rabbi. But when she sees her sister Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet while she does all the work, joyful hospitality curdles into resentment.
The good news is that Jesus loves Martha. And he loves us, even when we’re resentful. This week, as we study Jesus’ response to resentment, moms will have the chance to:
notice where and how Jesus invites us to join his party when we are feeling resentful
tell Jesus the “whole truth” about all the things that make us feel resentful and our fear that he doesn’t seem to care
trust Jesus as we learn to release and receive again and again
experience the freedom of living one day at a time and enjoying one moment at a time
practice redeemed hospitality
Prep
Read through the study.
Print Bible passage, Luke 10:38-42. (optional)
Cue up the video on whatever screen you will be using. (Scan the QR code in your book on page 60 to access the video.)
Pray for your resentful moms, and your moms who feel guilty for resenting motherhood itself. Ask God to be present to them in the midst of resentment, and for them to be free to “live one day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time”
Session
Remind folks of group commitments. (2 minutes)
Allow each participant one to two minutes to answer the Check-In questions on page 33. If your group is large, you may want people to share in groups of 3 or 4. (20 minutes)
Have someone read the introduction on page 59. (2 minutes)
Watch this week’s video. (11 minutes)
Complete the opening activity on page 60. If your group is large, you may want people to share their items in groups of 2 or 3. (15 minutes)
Have someone read Luke 10:38-42 aloud. (4 minutes)
Answer the study questions on pages 60-64. (30 minutes)
Complete this week’s Holy Spirit Check-In on page 64. (5 minutes)
Practice the Breath Prayer on page 64. (2 minutes)
Pray the Leader’s Benediction on page 64 over your group. (1 minute)
