Canary in a Coal Mine Week 3

Questions

• Pray and invite God into this time with Him.

• Do you ever feel yourself getting defensive? Do you feel you are quick to get defensive when approached with feedback or criticism? 

• Why do you think you get defensive? What are you feeling when you get defensive and lash out at whoever it is you are getting defensive with?

• Read Proverbs 26:12.

• What do you think Solomon is trying to say in that verse? 

• Think about a time when you got defensive in a conversation, whether it was a conversation with your boss at work or a conversation with your spouse at home. How could you have reacted differently? What could you have said instead of lashing out at them? 

• Read Proverbs 19:11.

• What are some ways you can start practicing not taking things personally and not getting defensive? During a conversation, how can you remind yourself to stay calm and not get defensive?

Spiritual Practice

Reflection: Take a deep breath and reflect on the questions you just answered. Think about times you’ve gotten defensive and why you reacted the way you did. Now that you have learned how to stop being defensive, start implementing these things into your life. Practice being patient and not taking things personally, admitting you don’t know everything, and actively listening and learning from others. 

Prayer: Spend time in prayer with God. Talk to Him about what you’re really feeling when you lash out in defensiveness. Ask Him to help you admit that you don’t know everything. Ask Him to help you gain the wisdom it takes to not take things personally.