Love Is...

Icebreaker

What's a song about love that you remember from growing up? (Bonus points if you can sing a line or two!)

Discussion

1. God's Love Demonstrated

Scripture: Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10, John 13:1

God didn't just say He loves us—He showed us by sending Jesus. Love isn't primarily a feeling or emotion; it's action and sacrifice.

Discussion: When have you experienced someone showing you love through their actions rather than just their words?

2. The DNA Test

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:20

Jesus said people would know we're His disciples by how we love one another. The real question isn't whether God loves us, but whether His DNA—patience, kindness, forgiveness—is evident in how we treat others, especially those who've hurt us.

Discussion: The sermon asked, "When squeezed, what comes out of you—anger or grace?" How would you honestly answer that question about yourself right now?

3. The Older Brother Problem

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32, Matthew 7:21-23

Many people claim to be Christians—they pray, serve, give—but refuse to extend mercy and forgiveness to others. Jesus warned that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter heaven, but only those who do the Father's will, which includes loving others as He loved us.

Discussion: Are there people in your life (family, political opponents, former friends) you're refusing to forgive like the older brother refused to celebrate his younger brother's return?

Prayer Time

• What are you celebrating this week?

• What are you praying about this week?

• Focused prayer: Pray for each person to have God's DNA of love, patience, and kindness flowing through them. Pray for unity in our group and church. Pray specifically for those who've hurt us—by name—and ask God to show us practical ways to love them this week.

Closing Reflection

This week, let's be buckets of God's love and grace, not just funnels. Remember, the world is watching to see if we really have Jesus' DNA. Let's show them love in action, not just words.