Slaying Dragons: Sloth (Lazy For Love)

1. Sloths are slow moving creatures that hang around and do seemingly nothing, which is why we often call people who are lazy, slothful. What animal best describes you? (sea otter (playful), golden retriever (friendly/loyal), owl (wise/discerning)

2. Read Mark 12:30-31. (The 2 greatest commandments.) In the message we heard how the word originally used for sloth was ‘acedia’ which means “without care”. Or as 13th Century theologian Thomas Aquinas put it “a neglect of the demands of love”. We also heard how busyness and workaholism were manifestations of sloth because they are the things that often keep us from meeting the demands of love. Do you agree or disagree? Why/why not?

3. Read Luke 10:26-29. In verse 29, the lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbour?” What do you think this question reveals about his heart and intentions? 

4. Read Luke 10:30-32. What excuses do we sometimes make to avoid helping others, similar to what the priest and Levite did?

5. Read Luke 10:33-35. What specific actions did the Samaritan take to care for the wounded man? What do these actions teach us about true love and mercy?

6. Read Luke 10:36. Jesus asks, “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Who are the “neighbours” in our own lives that we might struggle to love? How can we cultivate a heart of compassion rather than indifference toward those in need?

7. Read Matthew 16:24. What does taking up your cross and following Jesus look like in a practical sense? 

**Pray and ask God for help each day as you seek to unleash his extravagant love in this city even though it may cost you to do so.**