Forrest Gump | Kindness, Friendship, and Finding Peace
Forrest Gump | Kindness, Friendship, and Finding Peace
August 3rd - August 8th
Welcome to “At the Movies”! This sermon series, "At the Movies," draws inspiration from the storytelling genius of Jesus, who used parables to reveal profound truths about God and our relationship with Him. By exploring familiar stories from our own popular culture, we uncover the redemptive and enduring themes that resonate with the truths found in Scripture. This week, we delve into "Forrest Gump," a beloved story that highlights the power of kindness, the importance of friendship, and the journey to finding peace with God. As we explore this narrative, we will discover how its themes mirror the spiritual battles, challenges, and triumphs we face in our own lives, encouraging us to choose kindness, embrace community, and find hope in God's promises.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’re going to give you all the good stuff up front so that you have everything you need to partner with the Holy Spirit this week. We believe He has something unique to say to you, so the goal of this week is simply to create space for a conversation with Him.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so we’re going to give you all the good stuff up front so that you have everything you need to partner with the Holy Spirit this week. We believe He has something unique to say to you, so the goal of this week is simply to create space for a conversation with Him.
Biblical Reflection on “Forrest Gump”
Like the characters in "Forrest Gump," we encounter moments of kindness that can transform lives, friendships that sustain us through trials, and the quest for peace amidst life's uncertainties. Jesus personified God’s kindness, which leads to repentance (Romans 2:4), whether it was by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or simply offering a listening ear to those in need. He also exemplified the importance of friendship, calling His disciples friends (John 15:15) and sharing His life with them, teaching, guiding, and supporting them. Jesus is the ultimate source of our peace (John 14:27). Even in His most challenging moments, Jesus sought peace with God’s will (Matthew 26:39). Let’s explore these Biblical truths throughout this week using the Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer prompts below and see what the Holy Spirit has to say to you!
DAILY REFLECTIONS
Day 1 | The Power of Kindness
READING FOR MONDAY | Romans 2:4 | Luke 5:27-32
Journaling Questions
- Reflect on a time when a simple act of kindness changed your life or someone else's.
- Forrest, like Jesus, is drawn to those whom the world might devalue or look down on. How can you be more intentional about showing kindness to those around you who the world is more likely to dismiss?
- How does God's kindness lead us to repentance and transformation? How have you experienced that in your own life?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to show kindness and to lead you to repentance in any areas of your life where you need His transformation.
Song of Reflection
Love of God (Acapella Version)
Brandon Lake , Phil Whickam
Brandon Lake , Phil Whickam
Day 2 | Embracing Friendship
READING FOR TUESDAY | Proverbs 17:17 | Proverbs 18:24
Journaling Questions
- Who are the "Bubbas" in your life that you can lean on during difficult times?
- Are you a good friend? What do you think it’s like to be on the other side of you as a friend?
- What does it mean to have a friendship with Jesus, and how can you cultivate that relationship?
Prayer Prompt
Thank God for the friends He has placed in your life and ask Him to reveal ways that you could be a true friend to others, the way Jesus has been a friend to you.
Song of Reflection
Brother
The Brilliance
The Brilliance
Day 3 | Finding Peace With God
READING FOR WEDNESDAY | John 14:15-27
Journaling Questions
- What are the areas in your life where you need to find peace?
- How can you move towards Jesus to find the peace that only He can provide?
Prayer Prompt
Pray for the peace of God to fill your heart and mind, and for the courage to hold onto His peace in the midst of unknown outcomes.
Song of Reflection
It Is Well - LIVE
Kristene DiMarco
Kristene DiMarco
Day 4 | Overcoming Life's Challenges
READING FOR THURSDAY | Romans 8:18-30
Journaling Questions
- Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did God work through that situation for your good?
- How can you trust in God's plan even when you can't see the outcome?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God for the faith to trust in His plan and for the strength to persevere through life's challenges.
Song of Reflection
Though You Slay Me
The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane
The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane
Day 5 | The Gift of Grace
READING FOR FRIDAY | Ephesians 2:1-10
Journaling Questions
- How have you experienced God's grace in your life?
- Reflect on the story of Jenny and how she found grace and love in Forrest. In what ways can you extend grace to others, especially those who have hurt you?
Prayer Prompt
Thank God for His amazing grace and pray for the ability to extend that grace to others in your life.
Song of Reflection
Your Grace Finds Me - LIVE
Matt Redman
Matt Redman
RESOURCES | For Further Study
Books:
Videos:
Articles:
- "Love Does" by Bob Goff: This book explores how simple acts of love and kindness can transform lives and reflect God's love.
- "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning: A powerful exploration of God's grace and how it brings peace to our lives.
Videos:
- Shalom-Peace - Video about the Biblical definition of Peace from The Bible Project
- Not Alone: A Study on Friendship - In this six-week study, join Jennie Allen, Lauren Chandler, and Amena Brown as they talk all about friendship.
Articles:
- What Makes a True Friend? - This interview with John Piper is available in both audio and written format
- A Conversational Life with God - excerpt from Dallas Willard’s book “Hearing God”
Reader Highlight | Emily Smith (Compassion Staff Member and Daily Rhythms Contributor) reflects on her favorite movies or shows that reflect biblical themes
As part of our "At the Movies" series, we asked readers of the Daily Rhythms blog to share their favorite movies or shows that reflect biblical themes. This week, we're excited to feature a submission from Emily Smith, a Compassion Staff member and Daily Rhythms Blog contributor who attends our East Campus. She chose the song “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, which contains a slight spoiler for those who haven't seen the movie.
In Frozen 2, Anna and Elsa must save their kingdom, Arendelle. Towards the end, the sisters separate to complete their individual tasks. Elsa sends a final message to Anna before she freezes, a message that helps Anna but also causes her deep sadness as she believes her sister has ‘perished.’ To motivate herself, Anna sings “The Next Right Thing” as she climbs out of a cavern, symbolizing the step-by-step process of overcoming depression and sadness.
To Emily, this song reflects the message Paul gives to the Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Emily wisely shares, “Paul encourages this church in Galatia and us today that we must continue to do the good, right thing that Jesus has taught and instructed us to do. The end result of choosing Jesus and His goodwill leads to a harvest. It may not always be an earthly harvest, but a Heavenly harvest from which we have no idea the roots it grew, stemming from our act of obedience in doing the good Jesus has called us to participate in.”
In Frozen 2, Anna and Elsa must save their kingdom, Arendelle. Towards the end, the sisters separate to complete their individual tasks. Elsa sends a final message to Anna before she freezes, a message that helps Anna but also causes her deep sadness as she believes her sister has ‘perished.’ To motivate herself, Anna sings “The Next Right Thing” as she climbs out of a cavern, symbolizing the step-by-step process of overcoming depression and sadness.
To Emily, this song reflects the message Paul gives to the Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Emily wisely shares, “Paul encourages this church in Galatia and us today that we must continue to do the good, right thing that Jesus has taught and instructed us to do. The end result of choosing Jesus and His goodwill leads to a harvest. It may not always be an earthly harvest, but a Heavenly harvest from which we have no idea the roots it grew, stemming from our act of obedience in doing the good Jesus has called us to participate in.”