1 John 4:7–12

1. Read 1 John 4:7–12. Notice every use of the word “love” in this passage. According to this and other passages of Scripture, how do you think God would define the word “love”? What does that love look like?
2. In verse 8, what does John mean when he says “God is love”? How is that different from saying “God is loving”?
3. When we truly, sacrificially love one another, we become living testimonies to the reality of God. As God’s redeemed people, we glorify God not only in receiving His love, but by reflecting it to others. A mirror isn’t a mirror if it fails to reflect an image. And a Christian isn't a Christian if the reality of God’s existence isn’t reflected in the way we love one another. What opportunities do you have to “make the invisible God visible” through love this week? Think about not only the people who are most natural for you to love, but also those who are more difficult for you.
4. If you have your guidebook, read through The “One Anothers” scriptures on pages 97-101. If anyone in your group doesn’t have their book, they can probably find a similar list online by doing a quick search for “The One Anothers passages in Scripture.” Spend some time reading through the list and identifying any that feel noticeably absent from your life right now. Briefly discuss, and then pray that God would make these verses more reflected in your life this week.