DEFINING GOD’S LOVE

 DEFINING GOD’S LOVE

1 John 4:7–11

Hearer of the Word

Big Idea: Because God is love and has manifested that love by sending His Son, we are called to love one another with the same sacrificial love that has been poured into our hearts by the Spirit.

I. THE DEFINING OF GOD’S LOVE (VV. 7–8)

a. Love (God) does not force Himself on anyone

b. Love (God) does not demand obedience

Question to Consider: What does it mean that God is love?

• Everything God does is loving, EVERYTHING!


II. THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S LOVE v9-10

Statements of Truth:

• God does not merely love; He is love itself.  Love does not define God, God defines love

• We are to love others in the same way God has loved us: sacrificially

• Love is a noun, but it necessitates a verb

Doers of the Word:

1. In what ways has our culture tried to make love define God rather than letting God define love? How does that affect how we think about sin, holiness, and obedience?

2. Where do you see the clearest manifestation of God’s love in your own life? How does the cross shape the way you view people who are difficult to love?

3. What is currently being poured into your heart through media, relationships, and habits? How can you intentionally make room for the Holy Spirit to pour God’s love into you?

4. Who is one person (perhaps an “enemy,” a difficult family member, or a neighbor _ even a church member 🫪) toward whom you need to let love become a verb this week? What specific action would that look like?


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