Group Discussion Guide
Life Together, Part 4
This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
- What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
- How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
LEARNING
The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).
Scripture References from Message: John 13:34-35; John 17:20-23
Big Idea from Message: When we live in community, we show the world who God really is.
Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This follows His statement and command: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (v. 34). Discuss how Jesus demonstrated love and how we can imitate His example. What are some practical and tangible ways to love one another in today’s context?
As a group, read 1 John 2:3-11. In this passage, John provides deeper insight into the serious nature of Jesus’ command to love one another. How does “knowing” Jesus influence our actions as believers? How does this apply personally? Is there someone in your life whom God is calling you to love in a Christlike way, even if it feels challenging?
Read John 17:20-23 and Ephesians 4:3-6 together. What does it look like to “make every effort” to protect unity in our church, small group, or community?
Reflect on a time when disunity in a Christian community negatively affected someone’s perception of Jesus or the church. How can you actively work to restore unity where it is needed? Where do you see a need for restored unity in our church or community today?
Scripture References from Message: John 13:34-35; John 17:20-23
Big Idea from Message: When we live in community, we show the world who God really is.
Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). This follows His statement and command: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (v. 34). Discuss how Jesus demonstrated love and how we can imitate His example. What are some practical and tangible ways to love one another in today’s context?
As a group, read 1 John 2:3-11. In this passage, John provides deeper insight into the serious nature of Jesus’ command to love one another. How does “knowing” Jesus influence our actions as believers? How does this apply personally? Is there someone in your life whom God is calling you to love in a Christlike way, even if it feels challenging?
Read John 17:20-23 and Ephesians 4:3-6 together. What does it look like to “make every effort” to protect unity in our church, small group, or community?
Reflect on a time when disunity in a Christian community negatively affected someone’s perception of Jesus or the church. How can you actively work to restore unity where it is needed? Where do you see a need for restored unity in our church or community today?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you can grow in love and unity. Identify one practical step you can take this week to deepen love and strengthen unity in your relationships—whether through forgiveness, encouragement, or a selfless act. Revisit the scriptures mentioned above, and reflect on how God is shaping you to grow in community and unity within the church.
Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you can grow in love and unity. Identify one practical step you can take this week to deepen love and strengthen unity in your relationships—whether through forgiveness, encouragement, or a selfless act. Revisit the scriptures mentioned above, and reflect on how God is shaping you to grow in community and unity within the church.