Summary of “Love”
Agape love is a “compassionate commitment to delight in the soul of another and to will that person’s good ahead of your own, no matter the cost to yourself.” (Live No Lies, John Mark Comer p. 130) God is love and has fully revealed what love is in Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross. God’s Love is the source of all things and the fulfillment of all things, the beginning and the end. Love is not a cold choice or only fervent emotion. Love is attentive affection, delighted connection, compassionate commitment, self-giving joy. Loving one another is about attitude and action. It means listening to each other, remaining patient, and forgiving each others' faults or weaknesses. It’s about working for the health and well-being of the other, generously caring for the person, and learning to see the inherent beauty and good in one another.
Love is the distinguishing mark of all of Jesus’ followers, and we are able to love in this radical way because of the self-giving love of Jesus. His love empowers his followers to love each other with the same patience, devotion, and fervency he showed to them.
REMEMBER (30 min)
Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion
Remember each other: Care
Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in
Remember the Liturgy:
Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability
Topic: Love: Part 1
Remember the specific aspect of love you want to grow in from 1 Corinthians 13. How did you put it into practice this week?
REFLECT (30 min)
Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)
Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture
Topic Title: Love: Part 2
Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: 1 John 4:7-10
Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed
Share context for Scripture Story: Matthew 5:43-48 - "Love Your Enemies".
Discover
Read the Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
Discussion Questions
What is the biblical and historical context?
What does this reveal about God and People? (optional)
Why is Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us so radical and revolutionary? What would happen in the world, in your city/neighborhood/workplace if people did this?
Why is it so challenging to love those who don’t love us?
Reflect together on how Jesus has loved you when you were his enemy.
RESPOND (30 min)
Experience and Encounter
Take time to share in pairs or with the group:
Who are your enemies, or someone that is difficult to love, or doesn’t love/treat you well?
Who is the Father challenging you to love and how can you take a step this week to love?
Pray for one another.
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Practice and Obey (for the coming week)
Take a courageous step to practically show love to the person who doesn’t love you this week.
Pray
The Lord’s Prayer
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