36. “Why didn’t I see this before?” Kevin wonders about Renée/Natalie. What blinded him to her true character? What has blinded you in similar relationships, whether with a girlfriend or a brother with whom you were involved?
37. In what ways do you struggle with a prideful and judgmental spirit, as Wendy recognizes she has done? How have painful experiences humbled you and taught you to rely on God’s grace—both for you yourself and for others? What does MATTHEW 7:3-5 teach about such attitudes?
38. Frances turned her bitterness and guilt outward. Many people (especially women) turn it inward—where it manifests itself as depression, suicide attempts, eating disorders, substance abuse, promiscuity, and other self-destructive behaviors. How can acceptance of God’s forgiveness (and the forgiveness of others) redeem us from such a burden of guilt and bitterness about the past? (See GALATIANS 5.)
39. Pastor’s home-going sermon observes that we like to put weights on sin—to weigh one kind of sin as heavier than another. When is this appropriate? When is it not? Do you think God really sees all sin equally? Why or why not?
40. Considering the various trials that all the characters have experienced in this story, how would you, in the end, define “unconditional love”? How is it exemplified in each character’s life? (Don’t hesitate to refer to 1 CORINTHIANS 13—butput it in your own words, out of your own experience, too!)
Soul Matters Page 30
