Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
Tara says, “If we are afraid, we will try to control things,” then ties trust in God to trusting and respecting earthly authorities; where do you see fear driving control in your relationships with church leadership, husbands/bosses, or ministry teams, and what specific act of trust would look like repentance rather than personality?
Another way to ask: Where does fear make you try to control things with church leaders, a husband/boss, or a ministry team? What is one specific step of trust that would be real repentance, not just your personality?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, fear often shows itself as control—especially when authorities disappoint us or don’t consult us—and repentance looks like choosing trust: praying first, avoiding gossip, and offering respectful appeals when appropriate. Tara frames this as obedience to God, not just a personality preference.
- Tara states, “If we are afraid, we will try to control things,” then asks, “So how do we cope with that?”
- She connects courage to Jesus’ command: “do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27) and to 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love casts out fear.”
- She reasons from God’s character: God “set the universe in perfect order,” so “Will we not trust Him…? This means trusting His authorities over us and respecting them.”
- She names common wounds: authorities “neglect your opinions…didn’t consult you for input…Ouch.”
- Her practical pathway: “Pray first,” then ask if you should “make an appeal,” and “avoid gossip or slander toward our authorities,” while still speaking at the “right time…right way.”