Lesson 12 | Our coping mechanisms

Summary of key points

1. A coping mechanism is how we adapt to stress, either consciously or unconsciously driven by our desire for control and comfort. 
2. Coping mechanisms rely on our flesh, not on the Holy Spirit.
3. Coping mechanisms are formed in our subconscious minds overtime and become hardwired and instinctual. We need God’s help to overcome them so that we can follow God faithfully.
4. To start, we need to recognise our subconscious emotions that drive us to cope in our own sinful ways (with 50 examples). 
5. Strong emotions can even trigger physical sensations in our bodies (with examples).
6. To be free from our emotional triggers, we need to forgive those who have caused us emotional stress and learn to go to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, counsel, understanding, and comfort.
7. God’s children do not cope with life’s stressors, we learn to conquer them with His help.

Group reflection questions

1. What are your coping mechanisms?
2. How have they kept you from relying on God?

Transcript

Download the PDF of the transcript here: Love the Lord lesson 12 lesson notes

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