Beyond Outrage:
Loving with a Vengeance
Key Scriptures
We know that we have passed out of death into Life, because we love the brothers and sisters. He who does not love remains in [spiritual] death. Everyone who hates (works against) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer [by God’s standards]; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love: that He [willingly] laid down His life for us [because He loved us]. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers. But whoever has the world’s goods (adequate resources), and sees his brother in need, but has no compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him? Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words].
1 John 3:14-18 AMP
1 John 3:14-18 AMP
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
What is one good thing that has happened in your life in the past week?
How has God shown up in your life in the past week? (answered prayer, blessing, favor)
How has God shown up in your life in the past week? (answered prayer, blessing, favor)
Start thinking. Ask a question or two to get your group thinking.
Read 1 John 3:14-18.
How do we know that we have "passed out of death"?
What does it mean to "remain in [spiritual] death"?
How do we know that we have "passed out of death"?
What does it mean to "remain in [spiritual] death"?
Start sharing. Choose a question or two to create openness.
Have you ever went out of your way to help someone in need? Or has anyone ever had compassion on you and went out of their way to help when you needed it?
Verse 18 tells us not to just love with our words, but to love people with action. How could you express love to someone with more than just words?
Verse 18 tells us not to just love with our words, but to love people with action. How could you express love to someone with more than just words?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
Lord, thank you that we get to be a part of the resurrection! We want to be an army of love on mission for you, God. Help us to slow down, to focus on you, and to partner with you, Holy Spirit. We want to bring glory to your name Jesus, so come and have your way. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Start doing. Commit to these steps and live them out this week.
What stood out from the message this week? Letting God love me, consistently practicing loving God, or generously giving God's love away? Pick at least one per day to make your focus. For example, if I pick letting God love me as a focus, I could spend time in his presence, asking him to pour out his love and then to just sit and receive. Spending time with him and receiving his love is an important way that we can let God love on us. This isn't the only way, so don't limit it!