The Balance of Right and Wrong
Read the story first: The Balance of Right and Wrong.
Nugget of Wisdom
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First General Order
Before beginning, come together as a group to briefly discuss prayer needs and pray for God's guidance, wisdom, and protection over this time.
Mission
Think back to a time in your childhood, typically between the ages of 10 and 13, when your view of right and wrong was shaped. This may not come from something harsh; it could be an experience with friends at school, a teacher, a principal, a belief your parents held that differed from your neighbors, or any moment where you were exposed to conflicting ideas of what was right and what was wrong. Begin by sharing stories within the group; not everyone has to share, but several should. Once complete, pair off with your partner and sit facing each other, preferably holding hands with your eyes closed. The purpose is to absorb each other’s feelings. One person speaks at a time while the other listens, focusing not just on the words, but on the emotions behind them—what was felt, what was formed, and what personality traits may have developed through that experience. Then reverse roles. Listen intently to each other, seeking emotional truth. As you tell your story, recognize that right and wrong can exist at the same time. This is where your moral compass comes into play, where the scales become important. The Lord detests dishonest scales. Reach for the truth that you now possess in your heart, and as you express it, listen deeply to how important right and wrong has become to you, and how important it is to carry that understanding into your relationship.
Mission Execution
This is where you tell your own story. It does not have to be one centered on fear, but it should be something that affected you deeply. Allow yourself to be led, and tell the story honestly. The person listening must focus on absorbing the emotion—listening without interruption, without trying to fix it, and without analyzing it. Simply listen and absorb what the other person felt. As you tell your story, consider whether there were conflicting truths—where someone did both right and wrong—and how that shaped your beliefs, your responses, and your relationships today.
Questions
- As you listened to your partner, what emotions did you sense in them beyond the words they were saying?
- What personality traits do you believe were formed or strengthened through that experience?
- How did that experience influence how you judge right and wrong today?
- Do you find it difficult to see both good and bad in the same person? Why or why not?
- Can you identify any strongholds or patterns in your life that developed from how you interpreted right and wrong growing up?
This Week’s Mission
This week, go back and re-read the original story together. As you read it, look closely at both sides—the harshness that was present, and the reality that he did the best he could with what he had. Discuss this openly between you. Is the harshness justifiable? Do the means justify the outcome? Challenge each other to think deeply. If you had to assign a grade, from A to F, on how well he performed his responsibilities with the tools and understanding he possessed, what would it be? If you were to assign a sentence, how severe would it be? Place yourselves in the position of judges and recognize that the outcome rests in your hands. Debate it together. Listen to each other. Look for the balance between right and wrong. If you choose to go deeper, reflect on others who have faced similar situations—where actions, intentions, and outcomes did not align perfectly. Consider the weight of responsibility, the cost of decisions, and the role of personal accountability. The goal is not to reach the same conclusion, but to understand how each of you processes right, wrong, justice, and grace.
Closing Prayer
Lord, no man is perfect. No one can claim to know exactly right from wrong. May we use Your Holy Spirit as our moral compass and seek truth and wisdom throughout our lives based on You and Your Holy Spirit.