1. Understand How Negativity

• Negativity is extremely

• Negativity is connected to our

Romans 8:5-6 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (ESV = English Standard Version)

2. Limit

• Limit exposure to negative

Romans 16:17 “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith…Stay away from them.” (NLT = New Living Translation)

• Limit exposure to negative media

o Social media

o Social media creates “Fear of Mission Out” syndrome (FOMO)

o Social media creates unrealistic

o Social media creates unhealthy sleep patterns

o Social media creates a general

3. Make

Philippians. 4:4-9 “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (NLT)

Positive Pathway

1. Choose to rejoice (“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”)

2. Treat people well (“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.”)

3. Focus on eternity (“Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”)

4. Pray through your anxiety and your needs (“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need…”)

5. Be thankful for what God has done (“Thank him for all he has done.”)

6. Choose what you think about (“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”)

7. Do this consistently (“Keep putting into practice all you learned…”)

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Discussion Questions:

1. Talk about your own struggle with negativity. Why do you sometimes struggle staying positive?
   

2. Discuss how damaging negativity can be mentally, physically and spiritually. How does Romans 8:5-6 relate to this issue
   

3. Does it surprise you the bible tells us to stay away from some people? How do we limit exposure to very negative people?
   

4. Discuss the negative effects of social media. How do we use social media in a healthy way?
   

5. Read Philippians 4:4-9. God give us His pathway to positivity. Discuss the seven choices that describe this pathway. How can you get better at living Philippians 4 as a lifestyle?