Connect

Main Idea: We love people.

Introduction: We learned about our first Faith Promise Value last week – We love God. Our vision at Faith Promise is: We exist to win the world by equipping Christ-followers to win their world starting with 1% of the state of Tennessee. Pastor Zac reminded us that we must live out our values so that we can win our world. This week, Pastor Chris talked about our next value: We love people. Unfortunately, the Church is often not known for loving people. Loving people should flow from loving God because His love is poured out on us for others.

Discussion Starter: Christ loved people, to the point of laying His life down on the cross, even for those who hated and persecuted Him. Why is it so difficult to love others? How can we love God so much that it pours out of us onto everyone we meet?

Grow:

Primary Scripture: Mark 12:30-31, Romans 12:1-2, John 15:12-13, John 13:34-35, Leviticus 19:18, Romans 12:9-21, Philippians 2:3-11, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Mark 12:30-31 and Romans 12:1-2. First, we must admit that sometimes it’s hard to love others because we don’t love ourselves as God does. Our identity is from God. He loved us first and wants transformation in our lives. Self-love is not about feeling good but recognizing your worth is from God. How can we allow God’s love and guidance to transform us?  Choose a verse on our identity in Christ to speak life over yourself and others that will act as a shield from the lies of the enemy.
2. Read Philippians 2:3-11. Pastor said that putting ourselves ahead of other people sabotages God’s love that flows through us. Instead of trying to simply “love others,” how can we change our mindset that it’s not our love that flows from us but God’s love that flows through us? How can we be humble before others?
3. His truth is pounded into us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. This passage is often used only in wedding ceremonies. How can we apply it to everyday life?
4. Read John 15:12-13, John 13:34-35, and Leviticus 19:18. Why are these verses repetitive? Pastor pointed out that Jesus repeats this for remembrance; we must pay attention to it. If others recognize we are His followers by the love we show to them, what are practical ways to love those around us?

Protect:

Suggestion: Break into groups of 2 or 3 for this section.

Read Romans 12:9-21. This is a “how-to love others” passage. It can also be overwhelming to try it all at once. Pray for God to reveal one or two areas that you can focus on and improve when it comes to loving people. Be intentional with your plan to carry out your actions to love people. Share with your group for accountability.