Changed… Different… Set apart. It’s what God wants us to be. The saying “God loves you just the way you are” is true… He really does. But that’s not the end; it’s just the beginning. Because God loves us far too much to leave us that way.
Once we meet the Savior, He’s all about the transformation… the old being made new because He placed us here in this world that desperately needs to see the difference in us. And as believers… His children… we wear His name. And God wants our life to be “A Marked Life” that says to the world around us, I have decided to follow Jesus… no turning back.
Key Scripture
Discussion Questions
Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.
- Read John 13:34–35. This kind of selfless love is supernatural. It doesn’t happen on our strength but rather flows through the Spirit of God after we accept Jesus into our lives. Looking back, how has your love for others changed after you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?
- John 13:34-35. Love is an action. Is there a “neighbor” that the Lord has put on your heart that you need to “love” more actively? What’s one practical way that you can love someone in your life this week? Reflect on how you can be a blessing, and then act on it.
- Read John 17:21. Hopefully, our love for others shines so bright that people see Christ in our lives. Has anyone ever come up to you and expressed that they see something different in your life from others? Please share how your life and love for others have opened a door to share Christ with them.
- Review John 13:34. How well have you been living out this commandment? Where do you struggle to live this out? Is there anyone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?
- Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” Have you ever looked at the ten commandments based on these two categories? Read the ten commandments in Exodus 20:1–17 and place each under the category in which it best fits. Which side has more? What does that say about the importance that God places on this aspect of the greatest commandment?
- God does not need to use us in order to save someone, but He wants to use us. Do you see your ability to show the love of Christ to another as the privilege that it is? If not, how can you change your mindset and your life to reflect the honor that He has given to us to be able to be used by Him?
- Pastor shared that it’s not always a bad thing when a brother or sister (or family member or spouse) confronts something in your life that doesn’t exemplify the love of Christ. How would you respond if this happened to you? How can we address these challenging circumstances in a way that still emulates the love of Christ (speaking truth in love as described in Ephesians 4:15?
Accountability
- Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
- Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
- How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?