Which person in your life loves you the most? How do you know?
Which person in your life do you love the most? How do you show it?
Romans 13:8-10 NLT
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
What commandments did Paul place in the category of loving one’s neighbor?
How does Paul’s concept of love differ from today’s popular notions?
How would you sum up what it means to love your neighbor? How are your relationships impacted when you follow this command?
What does love for others motivate you to do on their behalf? Is there a difference in the way you love people in the church compared to those outside the church? Why or why not?
Romans 14:13-17 NLT
So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Do you have any behaviors that your coworkers, friends, or family members often have questions or hesitations about? How might these behaviors compromise your witness to a non-Christian? How might they compromise the health or unity of the body of Christ?
Paul is talking about causing someone else to stumble… He says what you eat can cause it to happen… But another believer being “distressed by what you eat” is not the problem… What is the problem, according to Paul? (Hint: you aren’t acting in it)
How might we tear down other believers when we do what we want without love’s limitation? How would your decision-making be impacted if you let love rule?
What qualities should characterize God’s people, according to this passage? Read Romans 15:13 for additional insight.
How do we demonstrate with our actions that we consider the spiritual health of the body of Christ more important than exercising our rights?
Romans 15:1-7 NLT
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
What examples do you recall of Jesus serving others? How does Jesus’ example help you show genuine concern for others?
Why do we need endurance and encouragement to live in harmony with other Christians? Where do we get that endurance and encouragement?
Why should the focus of the church be to glorify God? What are some guidelines that can enhance believers’ ability to get along?
What most frequently stands in the way of you loving others well?
What opportunities to show love do you anticipate having this week? How will you take advantage of them?
John 13:34-35 NLT
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
How might thinking deeply on what Christ has done for us cause us to truly love others?
Is your group ready for the Super Tailgate Sunday? We will be celebrating YOUR lifegroup!
