Small Groups: Transforming Communication
Gather some friends together and utilize this small group outline as structure and a starting point for a small group study and discussion.
Communication has the power to turn us from self-involved individuals into connected, compassionate human beings. With time invested in communication, we can work miracles in our relationships with others, with ourselves, and with God.
Click on a week, below, to see an outline for the weekly group meeting, or print out the outline for the entire week (PDF), which has even more detail and choices.
Week 1 — Truth Telling
Readings
"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
(John 8:32)
"The Divine Providence continually causes us to see truth, and gives us the affection of perceiving and receiving it."
(Divine Providence 298)
Discussion Questions
How can we learn to say what's true for us without judgment of others?
Weekly Task
Speak your truth with love.
Week 2 — Listening
Readings
"We have the sense of sight primarily for receiving intelligence, but we have the sense of hearing primarily for receiving wisdom."
(Apocalypse Explained 14)
Discussion Questions
How do we silence our own inner monologue long enough to really hear another person?
Weekly Task
Practice listening even when you don't want to.
Week 3 — Body Language
Readings
Read John 13:1-17. Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
"Angels have the power of seeing a person and immediately knowing all about that person’s character."
(Secrets of Heaven 803)
Discussion Questions
What is it like when our body language conflicts with our words? How does this impact the effectiveness of communication?
Weekly Task
Ask for clarification before assuming another person's nonverbal signals are negative.
Week 4 — Resolving Conflict
Readings
"Seek peace, and pursue it."
(Psalm 34:14)
Discussion Questions
How do each of us react to conflict? Are we more likely to"fight" or take "flight"? How does that impact our relationships?
Weekly Task
Strive to be a peaceful presence in conflict. Work harder to defend others than to attack them.
Week 5 — Internal Dialogue
Readings
"Everything we think flows in from the spiritual world, so our thoughts originate as spiritual and become natural in our conscious mind."
(Secrets of Heaven 10215)
Discussion Questions
How can we become aware of the angelic messages available to us at all times?
Weekly Task
Notice negative messages you listen to about yourself. Choose to replace these thoughts with inspiring ones.
Week 6 — Inviting God In
Readings
"Prayer is speech with God."
(Secrets of Heaven 2535)
"A person who lives a life of love and compassion is constantly at worship."
(Secrets of Heaven 1618)
Discussion Questions
How would it look to bring God into our relationship(s)?
Weekly Task
Create space for God in your communication with others.
