https://youtu.be/8VxqWEnBd6w

📝 Summary

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As we step into the Christmas season, Christian Braly opens a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation around one of life’s hardest questions: If God is good, why is there suffering? Drawing from his personal story, Scripture, and a deep understanding of value and meaning, Christian invites Belay’ers to see suffering not as a contradiction to God’s goodness, but as something that actually reveals our deep need for Him. This message builds a foundation rooted in the truth that God does not ignore pain—He enters it. And when we choose to be present with those who suffer, we reflect the light and love of Jesus more than clever answers ever could.

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📌 Tips

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• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
• You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

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• 🎄 What’s one Christmas tradition that sounds odd or hilarious to someone who didn’t grow up with it?
• 🧥 Christian mentioned a 32-year-old J.Crew sweater from his debate days. What’s the oldest thing in your closet—and why are you still keeping it? </aside>

📖 Bible Passage(s)

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1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Psalm 13:1 (NIV)

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

Psalm 22:1 (NIV)

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

John 1:1–5 (NIV)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

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🔎 Observation

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1. What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
2. What stands out to you about the tone and honesty of the psalms quoted?
3. What kind of “answer” is 1 Peter 3:15 talking about?
4. In John 1, what role does Jesus play in our experience of light and life? (Jesus is not just a truth-teller—He IS the truth, and He steps into our darkness with real presence and real power). </aside>

👋 Application

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1. When in your life have you most deeply felt the question, “Why is this happening?”
   • Moments of loss, grief, or injustice often push us to ask this—and God is not afraid of our honesty.
2. Christian said suffering doesn’t strip life of meaning; it reveals what we build meaning on. What are you building your life on today?
   • Our foundation matters. Is it circumstance-based, or rooted in Christ?
3. Think of someone in your life who’s going through suffering. What might it look like to be present instead of trying to “fix” or explain their pain?
   • Presence often speaks louder than theology in someone else’s valley.
4. Christian shared how valuable it was when someone simply wept with him after his brother’s death. Who has “wept” with you well? What did their presence mean to you?
   • Real empathy reflects Jesus more than any quick answer.
5. What's one way you tend to avoid other people’s pain (busyness, discomfort, not knowing what to say)?
   • Avoidance often unintentionally communicates “your suffering isn’t worth my time.”
6. Christian talked about the "law of inherent value"—that all people matter because they are made in God’s image. How does this truth shape the way you treat others, especially those who are hurting?
   • Every face we see carries the imprint of the Creator. Their worth is not up for debate.
7. How might your life be a “living apologetic”—a visible defense of God’s love—this week?
   • Your posture, presence, and peace can point to the goodness of God even when life is hard. </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

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• 🎁 Choose presence over perfection. Show up—really show up—with someone who’s hurting this season.
• 💌 Send an encouraging note or text to someone you know is struggling this Christmas.
• 🕯 Light a candle one evening and pray for those walking through grief during the holidays. Invite your family or roommates to join.
• 👀 Look someone in the eye this week—at the grocery store, gas station, or anywhere else—and give them real attention. Value starts with seeing.
• 📚 Learn someone's story before speaking truth into it. Let love lead your conversations, especially if faith comes up. </aside>

🙏 Prayer

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• Jesus, help me see suffering not as proof of Your absence but as a place where You want to meet me.
• Lord, teach me to value others the way You do—in every moment, even the hard ones.
• Father, show me where I’ve been afraid to draw near to someone else's pain. Give me courage to move toward them.
• Holy Spirit, let my life be a quiet, steady voice of hope in dark places.
• God, thank You that You don’t just explain suffering—you entered it to redeem us. </aside>

🎶 Worship

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“Though You Slay Me” – Shane & Shane feat. John Piper

• Watch on YouTube
• A heartfelt song about trusting God's goodness in the middle of pain.

“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” – CityAlight

• Watch on YouTube
• A gentle, deeply hopeful reminder of Christ’s strength in our weakness. </aside>