Big Idea

Christ is in you, so love in Christ.

Scripture

Colossians 3:15-4:1, 4:2-6, Matthew 22:34-40, John 13:35

Ice Breaker and Opening Thought

1. Who is the kindest person you know? What makes them kind?
2. We live in a polarizing time in our country where it is easy to “unfollow” people on social media. It’s easier than ever to cut people out of our lives. However, the call of Jesus is that we would be a loving community. What makes it hard for you to love others right now?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Matthew 22:34-40 and John 13:35. What does it mean to love one another in our current context?
4. Read Colossians 3:15-4:6. What do you notice about verses 15-17? How do they relate to 3:18-4:6?
5. Where do you have power and influence? Think about your home, family, work, friendship circles, and your relationships at church.

Life Application

6. How can power create barriers in relationships?
7. Scot McKnight, in his commentary on Romans called, Reading Romans Backwards, gives this fundamental insight and challenge: “If you have strength, status, and power, how can you leverage that for peace in the church and the world around you?” In what ways could you leverage your strength, status, and power for others? In what ways can we, as a group, leverage our power and strength to the good of others?
8. What does love require of you? What persons or people groups do you need to love?

Challenge

Let’s love others this week in a way that is challenging for us. Let’s love others in a way that transforms our relationships, and then it spills over into the big – flooding our neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, communities, and world.