Read with us this Fall!

Karis Church elders regularly choose supplemental books for the congregation to read together in what we call a “OneRead.” By September, we recommend everyone pick up a copy of Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund and read with us. We believe this book will help you see the tender heart God has towards us.

You can pick up a FREE copy of the book in the foyer during our Sunday Gatherings beginning August 22nd (while they last!).

While everyone’s welcome to read at their own pace, we’ve provided a reading plan below for those who would like to read together. You can also purchase the Gentle and Lowly Study Guide if you’d like to use that tool as well. Plus, follow our social media pages for some discussion questions along the way!

• Week of September 19th: Introduction

  • Though we know God loves us, sometimes we become suspicious that his patience is wearing thin or that he is harboring disappointment or resentment towards us. Have you experienced this before and why do you think that is?

  • Do you live with an awareness not only of Christ’s atoning work for your sinfulness but also of his longing heart amid your sinfulness? What difference does or would this make in your life?

• Week of September 26th: Chapters 1-2

  • "You don't need to unburden or collect yourself and then come to Jesus. Your very burden is what qualifies you to come." What keeps you from coming to him who is gentle and lowly in heart?

  • To whom did Christ naturally gravitate during his earthly ministry? And how do we today receive that same compassionate love that he demonstrated then?

• Week of October 3rd: Chapters 3-4

  • "When you come to Christ for mercy and love and help in your anguish and perplexity and sinfulness, you are going with the flow of his own deepest wishes, not against them." Consider what you miss out on when you hold back from Christ, fearful and failing. What does it mean for you as a believer to know that Christ cares for you as his own body?

  • Have you deeply considered Christ's "solidarity" with you in your Christian discipleship? What does this mean for your everyday life?

• Week of October 10th: Chapters 5-6

  • Consider the word "gently" in Hebrews 5:2. What is a difficulty in your life right now that this word calms and heals?

  • "But I am ______ and I have ______, say you. 'I will in no wise cast out,' says Christ."

    How would you fill in the blanks for yourself? Why do you tend to deflect Christ's assurances?

• Week of October 17th: Chapters 7-8

  • In what ways does Hosea 11 surprise you about God and his holiness?

  • What does it mean that Jesus intercedes for us? How does that calm and reassure you right now?

    Have you realized that, if you are in Christ, he himself is praying for you? How does this transform or strengthen your own prayer life?

• Week of October 24th: Chapters 9-10

  • What sin are you minimizing or excusing away? What is keeping you from honestly coming to Christ, your advocate?

  • "When we come to Christ, we are startled by the beauty of his welcoming heart. The surprise is itself what draws us in." Do you think much in terms of beauty when you think of God or of Christ?

• Week of October 31st: Chapters 11-12

  • How does this assessment of Jesus' emotions challenge your own view of your emotions?

  • How does it make you feel that Jesus is called a friend of sinners? What does this say about how you view yourself?

• Week of November 7th: Chapters 13-14

  • What are the implications of the fact that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a person?

  • What wounds in your own heart do the Father's perfect mercies need to heal?

• Week of November 14th: Chapters 15-16

  • How does viewing judgment as his strange work and mercy as his natural work affect your view of the Father's heart towards you?

  • What dark thoughts about God and who he is have yet to be "dug out" of your heart? What truth can replace those thoughts?

• Week of November 21st: Chapters 17-18

  • Have you considered the possibility that one of the most grievous errors in your life is deflecting rather than letting in the oceanic love of God? Do you feel reluctant to let him love you? Why?

  • What are some small thoughts about God’s heart for which you ought to repent?

• Week of November 28th: Chapters 19-20

  • What is the proof of God's rich mercy in your life, despite all your hardships and sins?

  • Do you see in yourself the subtle, chronic tendency to attempt to strengthen your standing with God based on how you are performing? How does this play out in your life?

• Week of December 5th: Chapters 21-22

  • What in your heart makes you feel that God's divine love has an endpoint, a limit, a point at which it finally runs dry? What truth can you put your trust in to overcome this doubt?

  • Have you considered deeply what happened at the cross of Christ? Explain in your own words what Jesus bore on the cross and reflect on such things.

• Week of December 12th: Chapters 23-Epilogue

  • What impact has this book had on you? How has your heart been molded or changed?