Okay, so I know that this set of questions is really kinda like preaching to the choir, but here goes…
Matthew 22:37-40 ESV
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
We all know that Jesus is answering the question, “What is the most important commandment?”
Take a minute to contrast individual loving actions and lifelong loving relationships? Which is more in line with what Jesus is describing in the Greatest Commandment?
Romans 12:10-13 ESV
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
The NIV says “be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”
What does it mean to be devoted, or to love with brotherly affection, rather than showing kindness occasionally?
How does this type of devotion change the way we approach our relationships?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Why is encouragement an important part of love? How does consistently uplifting others create strong, lasting relationships?
Philippians 1:9-11 ESV
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Paul prays that believers’ love will abound more and more in knowledge and depth. How can love mature and deepen over time in a relationship? What are signs that love is growing rather than fading?
Galatians 6:2 ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
What does it look like to share in someone’s burdens over the long haul? How do we balance helping others while not becoming overwhelmed?
Romans 15:5-7 ESV
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Paul encourages believers to have endurance and unity in relationships. How does ongoing love build a strong community over years and generations? What are challenges to long-term unity, and how can love overcome them?
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Paul tells believers to imitate Christ’s love. How does Jesus’ constant, faithful love shape how we approach marriage, friendships, family, and church relationships? What habits can we develop to reflect His love consistently?It is that time of year… We have LOTS of things gearing up and getting started to help you scale up your life. Make sure you take advantage of them!
Also, you can partner with The Orchard Church for 2025. A Partner is someone who is committed to practicing the “Spiritual Growth Engine” in their life consistently for one year. Try it this year, and see how God works in your life.