Before we can influence others, we need to first become a person whom people can trust. This goes beyond honesty. Authenticity is about being true to ourselves and genuine to others. But how do we do that without worrying about our insecurities or fear of rejections?

1. Share a time when you either gave a partial truth to safeguard yourself or failed to keep your commitment. Do you think people see you as a trustworthy person?

2. Do you think people around you perceive you as someone genuinely concerned for others, or as someone fixated on self-interest? What actions could you take to change this impression?

3. Why might we be afraid of being authentic to others? What are some good motivations to help us overcome this fear?

As the saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Selflessness goes a long way in building trust with people. How can we build rapport with people, not just with our words but with actions as well? 

1. When was the last time you consciously took notice that someone had a need and took the initiative to extend help?

2. Why is genuine love always costly? How have you experienced such love? How have you given it?

3. Is there ill-will between you and anyone? What is the Christian motivation to loving people, even our enemies? What would it mean practically for you to love God by loving that person?

It has been said that the biggest deficit in our world right now is the lack of empathy; we need individuals who can step into somebody else’s shoes and see the world through their perspective. How can we bridge the gap and build stronger bonds with the people around us?

1. Share a time when somebody did/did not make an effort to understand your situation and emotions. How did that make you feel?

2. Why is empathy so important to strengthening relationships yet so difficult to practice? Who are some people in your life whose experiences and emotions you have been quick to move past?

3. How does the truth that God understands your problems experientially provide encouragement in your times of need? What does it mean for you practically to extend empathy to the people you shared in Question 2?

Research has shown that not only does being optimistic lead to better health, less stress and greater achievement, but it also enables people to have more satisfying relationships. Some people perceive optimism as engaging in wishful thinking. However, Christianity provides a powerful motivation for us to remain confident in the most difficult of situations.

1. Why should Christians be the most joyful and optimistic people around? Why do you think you are not experiencing this in your life?

2. What are some things that you do in an attempt to safeguard your and your loved ones’ future? How does the reality of your God-given inheritance free you from your present worries and anxiety?

3. What are some hardships and troubles you have had to suffer? Knowing that God rewards our faith, how do you intend to respond to them differently?