LOVE WITH SKIN AND BONE
1 John 3:16-18, 4:10, 20-21
Love is more than knowing or feeling; it’s a choice expressed in actions.
1. Love sacrifices completely. 4:10, 3:16
world’s goods = life resources like food, clothing, medicine
Application to My Life:
How is your love sacrificial for others besides family members?
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“seeing” = more than casual glance
“closes” = shutting down compassion (spiritual “bowel obstruction”!)
2. Love shares practically. 3:17-18
Application to My Life:
Who has God brought across your “love path” to whom you can be Jesus’ love?
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“Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored, as well as
destroy the object on which it is poured.”
horizontal relationships with others reflect our vertical relationship with God
refusing to resolve conflicts, holding grudges, backbiting (John 13:35)
3. Love does not mistreat others. 4:20-21
Application to My Life:
How have you mistreated by: gossip, slander, talking behind someone’s back,
holding a grudge, or ignoring someone God has called you to love?
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Five Dragons Churches must slay:
• apathy
• lack of vision
• little love for outsiders
• inadequate giving (keeping resources for ourselves)
• interpersonal conflicts
Life Group Discussion/Personal Meditation Questions:
Icebreaker: Who did you have your first “crush” (young love) on?
1. How do you define “love”? What different kinds of love are there?
2. Read epistle of 1 John 4:10, 3:16. How is God’s love expressed differently from
mankind’s love?
3. How is your love sacrificial for others besides family members?
4. Read 1 John 3:17-18. How might ignoring needs around us demonstrate that
our true faith is shallow or even absent? Is this a fair test? Why or why not?
5. Who has God brought across your “love path” to be Jesus’ love in practical and
tangible ways?
6. Read 1 John 4:20-21. In what ways might Christians hate (= esteem lowly)
another person without even knowing it (see possibilities under Application 3)?
7. Read the gospel of John 13:35. How can you express love in practical ways
that demonstrate you are truly a disciple (follower) of Jesus?