Renew 3: Personal Responsibility
Fun Icebreaker
Merry talks about default patterns — like crossing your arms the same way every time. Personal Responsibility
Activity: Ask everyone to:
Cross their arms naturally.
Now try it the opposite way.
Ask (quick round):
How did it feel? Strange? Automatic? Intentional?
Where in your life do you think you default to old patterns?
Scripture Grounding:
Read aloud slowly:
Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Ephesians 3:16 — “May he give you power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong.”
Discuss together:
What part of these verses stands out to you today?
What do you think the “hidden self” is? What might God be strengthening?
Merry’s Story + Reflection (10 min)
Merry shared about deep hurt from leaders, time away from church, healing, forgiveness, and resilience. Personal Responsibility
Discussion prompts:
Have you ever needed space to heal? What helped you grow?
How do you know when forgiveness inside you is becoming real?
Reminder for leader: Make this a gentle space — sharing is invitation, not requirement.
5) Teaching Core: Internal Work is Spiritual Work (15 min)
Merry highlights several renewal anchors:
✔ True & Shadow self Personal Responsibility
✔ Awareness of triggers, emotions & patterns
✔ Courage to face internal darkness
✔ Renewal = repeated practice + grace
Round A — Self-awareness
Merry said only 10–15% of people are truly self-aware.
Q: Where might you lack awareness of how others experience you?
Round B — Shadow self
Our shadow is the part formed in pain and survival.
Q: Which survival strategies show up in you under stress?
Round C — Internal growth = emotional + spiritual maturity
We can’t mature spiritually while ignoring emotional growth. Personal Responsibility
Q: What emotional habit is God inviting you to face with compassion?
Group Application
① Personal Responsibility (my soul work)
What is one small internal practice I can carry out this week:
Examples:
Notice my emotions before reacting
Ask 1 person for honest feedback
Replace one negative belief with truth
② Shared Responsibility (community care)
How can we one support another person:
Examples:
Check in midweek with someone
Listen without fixing
Pray for someone’s healing journey
Closing Prayer + Blessing
Read Merry’s closing promise: “…the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” — Philippians 1:6Personal Responsibility
Pray for:
Courage to see ourselves clearly
Grace to hold our shadow selves with love
