Small Group Studies

Cherish: Week 1

Relationships are the greatest gifts we are given on this earth. They can also be difficult and challenging. You know this to be true. Although we inevitably face challenges in our relationships, we also reap the rewards when we embrace these relationships and love the people around us. That is why Scripture teaches that love is one of the greatest and most important attributes for followers of Christ, and our love directly points others to Christ. Today we are going to look specifically into this call to love and be challenged to truly love and cherish the people around us.

BREAK THE ICE

What is your favorite love story from a movie? (Men, think Braveheart. Ladies, think of The Notebook.) Why is it your favorite movie?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Bible Study Questions

 1. How does the concept of loving and cherishing another affect your current relationships, whether it is with your spouse, family members, or close friends?

WATCH SERMON RECAP

2. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Which of the attributes listed here stands out to you the most? Why?

 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

3. Read Colossians 3:12-14. What does Paul’s instruction to "clothe [ourselves] with love" teach about love?

Colossians 3:12-14

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."

4. In what ways does love "bind us all together in harmony?" 

Application

1. How does the Scripture you have looked at today impact your understanding of what it means to love?

2. What are some things relationally that you need to stop doing? What are some things you need to start doing to demonstrate love?

3. Look back at the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Which of these would you specifically like to grow?

MOVING FORWARD

One of the greatest ways we can love the people in our lives is to share the hope of Christ with them. Take a few minutes to think about someone in your life who needs the hope of Jesus. Then, invite them to church this weekend. Be sure to follow up this week to share with your group how they responded to your invitation. Begin praying today that God would open their hearts to say “yes” to your invitation and to see their need for the hope that only He offers.

GOING DEEPER

When it comes down to it, cherishing and loving the people in our lives, especially our spouses for those who are married, involves action. We can tell someone how much we love them all day, but our actions prove our love. With this truth in mind, let's take a few minutes to dive into what Scripture teaches about loving others through our words and actions.

Jesus' example:

Jesus set the ultimate example for us regarding how to demonstrate our love for people. He, of course, is the model for us when showing our love to others. So let's take a few minutes to examine how Jesus loved us and how we can follow His example. 

  1. Read Romans 5:5-8.
  2. Describe God the Father's love in these verses. (Be sure to read through all the verses as you answer this question.)
  3. Describe Jesus' love for humanity in these verses.
  4. How did God the Father's and Jesus' actions in these verses show their love for humanity? 

 

Jesus' Challenge:

Not only did Jesus demonstrate love through His actions, but He also called His followers to follow His example shortly before His death. In light of His love, He also calls His followers to demonstrate love through their actions.

  1. Read John 13:31-35 and 1 John 3:16-19.
  2. Describe the love that Jesus showed to His disciples and humanity in one word.
  3. Explain how Christ calls His followers to love the people around them in these two Scripture passages.
  4. Why are Christ-followers called to live in this way?
  5. What are some examples of what it might look like today for Christians to love people through their words and actions?

 

Reflect

Let's reflect on this and show others our love through our actions. Take a few minutes to think about your own life and answer the following questions:

  1. What is going well? 
  2. What needs improvement?
  3. Who is someone you are around often? What is one way you can practice showing sacrificial love through your actions today? 

 

After everyone has shared, commit to taking one step to show love to the people around you through your actions. Then, pray together and ask God to help you all as you seek to follow His example of love. 

 

MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8: