Next Steps--Lesson 32--Love is a Noun and a Verb--I John 4

Discussion Questions:

1.     How do you feel about God commanding you to love?  How is loving one another a new command?

2.     Why is it important that God is love and therefore, love is a noun?  How does this emphasize the importance of relationship with the LORD in order to have healthy relationships with people?

3.     Why is it important that love is a verb?  How can you incorporate love as a noun and a verb in your relationships?

4.     What struggles have you had with going through the motions of love without the substance?  What helps you to avoid being a clanging gong?

5.     How have you seen your capacity and desire to love grow as you have been transformed by God?  Besides provision, healing and service, what are some other attributes of love that could have been represented in the gift box?

6.     Do you believe that love comes from God?  How are you bringing God into your relationships so love can be more evident in each one?

7.     If Jesus could expect a tax collector and a zealot to love each other, is there anyone God will exempt you from loving?  Why do we let division exist?

8.     How did walking down the Via Dolorosa (The way of Suffering) make Jesus’ love greater?  If He is the model, how might God call you to face some difficulties, and even suffering, in your relationships so they exhibit more depth of love in them?

9.     What does washing feet, dying on a cross, and telling husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, giving Himself up for her, teach you about the action and depth of love God desires from us?