Theo reminded us that God’s love is not something we earn, but receive freely from him before we’re able to genuinely care about anyone else. And so, every expression of Christian love begins with God’s love for us.
MY STORY
Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Why does it matter?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 7:13-19)
According to John, what is the driving force behind our desire and ability to love other people?
What’s the connection between abiding in God and experiencing his love? Can you have one without the other? Why or why not?
Why does it matter that it’s the love of God that sets the stage for our ability to authentically care about someone else?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
What did Theo mean when he said “No one can be unlovable because God is love”?
Describe how a non-Christian, who experiences the genuine compassion of a follower of Christ, can get to the point where he or she says, “Not only must God exist, but he loves me.”
What does earned love look like? Why is it so unappealing?
What does God want us to do? Flowing from our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s nudging us toward?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
What are some ways that, perhaps, you believe God’s willingness to love you is based on something you do? Or your consistency? Or your productivity? Or your ministry?
Based on Theo’s message, what are some ways to let go of those hindering beliefs?
Do something this week that would be deeply meaningful to another person to demonstrate your love, and God’s love, to that individual.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?
Message Notes
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