Youth Sermon: Courage is Greater than Gossip

Introduction

Hey guys! Ever heard of the Copernican Revolution? It's when people figured out that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the universe. It was a total game-changer. Just like when you realize that your parents should be the center of the family, not you. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it teaches us humility and prepares us for life.

Following Jesus is kinda like that. It's a revolution. We need to take ourselves out of the center and put Jesus there instead. Today, we're gonna talk about how Jesus teaches us to handle conflict and sin. It's a whole new way of living.

Following Jesus is kinda like that. It's a revolution. We need to take ourselves out of the center and put Jesus there instead.

Handling Conflict and Sin

Imagine you're holding a juicy, ripe lemon. Now, imagine that lemon represents gossip. It looks tempting, right? But what happens when you take a bite? It's sour, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. That's what gossip does. It might seem tempting, but it only leaves a bad taste in your relationships.

In this passage, Jesus gives us a step-by-step guide on how to handle it when someone messes up or hurts us.

1. Talk to them directly Jesus says to go straight to the person who hurt you. Talk to them privately, just the two of you. It takes guts, but it's the right thing to do.

If that doesn't work, bring a couple of trusted friends along. They can help sort things out.

If the person still doesn't listen, get some more trusted people from your church or youth group involved. It's not about embarrassing the person, but about finding a solution together.

2. Say no to gossip Instead of spreading gossip, go directly to the person who hurt you. Gossip is like that sour apple - it's toxic and ruins relationships. It's not cool, and it's not what Jesus wants for us.

Let's be a group that refuses to gossip. Let's speak well of others and go directly to them if there's a problem. Let's choose courage over gossip.

3. Choose kindness Jesus says that whatever is forbidden in heaven will be forbidden on earth, and whatever is permitted in heaven will be permitted on earth. Gossip is a no-go, but kindness is always allowed.

Kindness is the Jesus way. It leads to making things right and healing. When we approach someone with kindness, it can change everything.

We have the power to say no to gossip and yes to kindness. Let's be a group that lives that out.

Next time you're tempted to gossip or hear gossip, remember the sour lemon. Choose to be brave and kind instead. Talk directly to the person involved. It might be tough, but it's the Jesus way.

Conclusion

Jesus is leading a revolution, and we're all invited. Let's put Jesus at the center of our lives. Let's choose courage and kindness over gossip. The next time you have an issue with someone, remember the sour apple and choose the Jesus way.

Let's pray together.

Hey Jesus, thanks for always being there for us. Help us to be brave and kind today, turning away from gossip and choosing your way instead. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Why is it important to go directly to the person involved in conflict or sin?

2. How can gossip harm relationships?

3. How can we show kindness in difficult situations?

4. What does it mean to bind gossip and loosen kindness?

5. How can we put Jesus at the center of our lives?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Revolutionary Orbit
• Group Activity: Kindness Challenge
• Youth Challenge: Choose Courage and Kindness