Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
Week 8: Chapter 7 — The Practice of Grace
Read Chapter 7 of Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. Key passage: Luke 15:11–32; Romans 5:1–5.
Previewing Week 8 of Soul Keeping
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 12-week guide when you’re ready.
Grace is the oxygen of the soul — but many of us hold our breath, afraid that truly receiving it will make us careless. This chapter invites you to breathe deeply.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Ortberg argues that one of the greatest obstacles to soul health is the inability to truly receive grace — that many Christians intellectually affirm grace but practically live as if they have to earn God's favor. Does that resonate with your experience? How does this show up in your daily inner life?
2.Ortberg revisits Jesus's parable of the prodigal son, noting that both sons in the story have distorted relationships with the father — one through rebellion, one through performance. Which son do you more naturally resemble, and why?
3.Ortberg suggests that receiving grace is itself a spiritual discipline — that we have to practice opening our hands and letting God give. What makes receiving grace difficult? What are the psychological or spiritual barriers in your own life?