Behind Our Sunday Smiles: A Warning System

Concerned Persons: Because We Need Each Other

Living Free Every Day

Today's Scripture
"We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help." Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Thoughts for Today
Are you concerned about a loved one who is struggling with a life-controlling problem? One of the very real dangers we face as concerned persons is that we might get too good at hiding our real feelings. We may learn to repress our anger to avoid "rocking the boat." We get so busy with keeping life on an even keel and maintaining the appearance of everything being normal that we can find ourselves hiding behind a mask. We can even get to the place that we have become numb to our real feelings.

On any given Sunday morning, our church pews hold many people who have come to the church service carrying a heavy load of problems, worries and heartbreak. But the fact is, most of them are hiding behind Sunday smiles.

Consider this …
Our feelings are important. Denying or burying them always leads to trouble. Our feelings are a "warning system" that tells us when something may be wrong in our lives. When our feelings become numb or frozen, we disable that warning system.

Our goal must be to recognize our feelings—anger, hurt, guilt, fear, whatever—and then to work on what is causing them.

We often hide our feelings even from God. But he knows how we feel ... and he cares. If you are hurting … or struggling with a problem … go to Jesus. Experience his love, his kindness … and his help.

Prayer …
Father, I have tried to hide these fears and worries. I don't know if others can see through my smiles, but I believe you know my heart. I come to you for help. Please show me what to do and give me the strength to do it. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Concerned Persons: Because We Need Each Other by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This group is designed for the many people who have a current or past relationship with a person who has a life-controlling problem.

It emphasizes the need we all have for each other.

It helps people focus on Christ rather than on the problem.

It serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then pointing them to Christ.

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

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