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.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• 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.

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: 1 John3:11-24
Big Idea from Message: The love of Jesus in us becomes visible through the way we love others.

Read 1 John 3:11-24. Choose 1-2 questions to discuss:

• Why do you think John contrasts Cain and Abel?
• What are some “small seeds” that can get planted in our hearts that later grow into destructive actions or attitudes?
• What are some subtle forms of hatred or resentment that people often justify or ignore?
• What stands out to you about the connection between hatred and death, and love and life?

The big idea stated, “The love of Jesus in us becomes visible through the way we love others.” Choose 1-2 questions to discuss:

• Why do you think love is such a central evidence of spiritual transformation?
• Why do inward attitudes matter so much to God, even before they become outward actions?
• How does receiving the love of Christ change the way we see difficult people?
• What would change in our families, churches, workplaces, or friendships if believers consistently lived out this kind of love?

In the quote by Brennan Manning, he said “The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable.”  Why do you think hypocrisy among Christians can deeply affect how people view Jesus? How have you seen Christians either strengthen or damage the credibility of the gospel through the way they treated others?

Pastor Tyler asserted that Christian love must move beyond just words and intentions to actions. What does that practically look like in everyday life? Who is the “unloveable” person in your life who God might be asking you to move towards in love in a very real way?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

What is one relationship or situation in your life right now where God may be inviting you to make His love visible this week? Maybe it’s through forgiveness, patience, encouragement, generosity, or simply being present with someone who needs it. Take a moment to consider where God may be calling you to reflect His love in a tangible way, and ask Him for the courage to respond faithfully.