Sunday Morning’s message: 29th of September 2024 Pastor David Jones
Note to the Group Leader
Feel free to pick and choose any part of this discussion that best suits your group.
Discussion Outline: Love one another
John 13:34-35
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1. Why Is It a New Commandment?
John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you..."
Explore the meaning of “new” in the Greek (kainos)—implying a freshness, not worn out and a deeper understanding of love for each other in the body of Christ.
Question
Why do you think Jesus emphasises loving one another rather than just loving Him? How does this challenge our understanding of being in Gods family and discipleship?
Reflect and Discuss
Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) as a demonstration of servant love.
2. What Is Love?
Discuss
Societal definitions of love versus biblical love (agape). Often self-love can be distorted and why loving ourselves isn’t the best measure for loving others. We measure ourselves against what the bible teaches us and Jesus' example.
Greek Words for Love:
Storge (family love)
Eros (romantic love)
Philia (friendship love)
Agape (supreme love)
Questions
How can we cultivate agape love in our own lives, church family and communities? What practical steps can we take?
Leader Encourage
Share a personal story or an example of agape love in action, emphasising sacrifice and unconditional care.
3. What Does “Love One Another” Look Like?
John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Discuss
How love is a distinguishing characteristic of being a Jesus’ follower.
Read and reflect on 1 John 4:20-21 regarding the necessity of loving others to truly love God:
1 John 4:20-21
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Questions
In what ways can we show love to fellow believers and those outside the church?
What are some signs that indicate we are genuinely living out this command?
Talk about the “fruit of the Spirit” (below) and how love manifests in our daily lives. Talk about the work of the Spirit in us that transforms us into people who bear great fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Encouragement to Abide in God’s Love
John 15:9 "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."
Discuss the importance of remaining in Christ to cultivate love. Emphasise that loving one another is the product of being with Jesus and becoming like Jesus. Love reflects the heart of Jesus.
Closing Prayer
Thank God for His commandment to love one another and ask for strength and wisdom to live it out in our lives, church family and communities.
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