Group Notes | March 1

And The Greatest of These Is Love
March 1, 2015

Open:

Checking out at WalMart, the elderly man dug in his pockets for enough money to cover his meager food purchase. The person next in line quietly handed the clerk a bill to pay for the groceries. Can you list examples of times someone has taken the opportunity to show God’s love to a person they’ve never met?
Continuing the focus on God’s love from 1 John, this week we want to spotlight what it actually means for us to be filled with His love.

Discuss:

1. Read 1 John 4:7-21. In verses 7 and 8, why is it so important that we sincerely have love in our hearts? What does this show to the world?

2. In verses 9 and 10, what did we do to earn the love God has shown us? What are some reasons God loves us so much?

3. Re-read verses 16-18. What is the reassurance that we have in these verses? Does the action of standing before God fill you with joy or with fear? (You may answer in your heart).

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:11-13. Why is the greatest of “these three” (faith, hope, love) LOVE?

5. What are some practical ways we can show God’s love to those around us? (Moderator, mark off those that are mentioned, emphasizing any that are left):

a. Always look for the best in others, and give them the benefit of the doubt;

b. Make forgiveness a habit, especially when it is not deserved;

c. Forgive even when it is not asked for;

d. Take care of conflict as soon as possible and move on, leaving the conflict behind;

e. Look for a reason to bless someone each day;

f. Meet needs as often as you are able, whenever God shows them to you;

g. Pray for others diligently and deliberately, for as long as their need is present;

h. Endeavor to know God better each day through reading His word and prayer;

i. Find ways every day to show God’s love to someone who does not know Him;

j. Make certain you are known as a person who has been transformed by your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Close:

Did any of those practical applications speak to your heart? As you break into small groups, be open to sharing how God spoke to you, and have the group pray that you will be filled with love in that area. All should continually pray ‘diligently and deliberately’ for each of those in your group. Satan does not want believers to be victorious, so as you close in prayer, focus on 1 John 4:4!

Memory Verse: John 13:35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”