Definition: Scripture teaches that God is love. The truest and most full expression of love is found in the person and character of God. Love is best displayed in the sacrificial death of Christ to bear the wrath of God toward sin and secure salvation for the people of God.
Scriptures: 1 John 4:9-11; John 3:16
Study: “We know what true love is because Jesus gave His life for us. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11, paraphrased). The apostle’s command is striking! Who can love another in this way—that he should lay down his life? And yet, this is the call of Christ. If we are to be at all like God, we will perpetually lay our lives down for one another. The truest refrain of a Christian is that of John the Baptist, echoing over every man—“He must become greater, and I must become less.”
Questions to Ask: (these will help process the truth learned)
- What does it mean to truly love someone?
- How do you lay your life down for someone whose life Isn’t in immediate mortal danger?
- What are three ways you can improve in “laying your life down” for someone this week?