Welcome Prompt:

Trust shapes every relationship we step into. This week we are talking about something we all need, all struggle with, and all experience being broken at times. Our goal is not to fix trust overnight, but to let God shape how we build, rebuild, and steward trust in a way that reflects His heart.

Opening Prayer Prompt:

Invite someone to pray, or pray this aloud:

“Father, You are perfectly trustworthy. We confess that we often struggle to trust You and others. As we open Your Word tonight, soften our hearts, give us wisdom, and help us see our part clearly. Teach us how to live with integrity, humility, and courage as we follow Jesus together. Amen.”

Purpose of our Small Groups at Real Life:

At Real Life, our small groups exist to help people grow in spiritual maturity in relationship. Growth happens as we walk honestly with God and with one another. This week’s conversation about trust invites us to mature by owning our part, practicing wisdom, and learning to love like Jesus in real relationships.

Group Guideline:

No Rescuing or Fixing: Trust grows when people are allowed to be honest without being interrupted or corrected. This week’s topic may surface pain, regret, or unresolved tension. Our role is not to fix each other. Jesus does that. Our role is to listen well, create space, and allow the Spirit to work.

Fun Icebreaker Question:

Main Idea from the Sermon:

Trust is not a feeling or a blind leap. It is a choice built over time through integrity, truth, humility, and faithfulness, ultimately grounded in the perfect trustworthiness of God.

Main Scripture:

Head Level Questions:

• In Acts 9:26–31, why did the believers initially struggle to trust Paul, and how did his past actions shape their fear?
• What influence did Barnabas have on Paul’s journey, and how did his actions help build the disciples’ trust in Paul?
• What helps you personally trust another person? What makes you not trust someone?

Heart Level Questions:

• When trust has been broken in your life, what emotions tend to surface first: fear, anger, shame, or self-protection? Follow-up: How do those emotions influence the way you respond rather than the way God invites you to respond?
• How do you think your ability to trust others relates to how you trust God?
• Trust is built on your trustworthiness. Do you believe people trust you? What makes you believe that?

Hands & Feet Level Questions:

• What is one practical way you can grow in integrity this week so your life aligns more closely with your words and commitments?
• When trust has been broken by you or toward you, how do you differentiate between God’s part, your part, and the other person’s part?
• Challenging Question: Is there a relationship where God may be inviting you to take a wise risk toward rebuilding trust, or to establish healthier boundaries?

Recap:

Tonight we explored how trust is foundational to healthy relationships and spiritual maturity. We saw that trust is built slowly through faithfulness, humility, and truth. We were reminded that Jesus is the ultimate trustworthy One. When we abide in Him, our capacity to trust wisely and live with integrity grows.

Closing Prayer Example:

“Jesus, thank You for being faithful even when we are not. Help us walk in integrity, speak truth in love, and trust You with our relationships. Show us where to own our part, where to extend grace, and where to use wisdom. May our lives reflect Your trustworthiness to a watching world. Amen.”