Faith Today - January/February 2016

HERE’S A SAMPLE OF THE SMALL GROUP RESOURCE WE’RE DEVELOPING.

THERE ARE 6 PARTS IN THE ENTIRE RESOURCE. COLLECT ALL 6 ISSUES OF LIM IN 2016 TO PREVIEW SOME OF THE TAKE ACTION APP CONTENT.

Use #loveismoving to share what you have learned.

TAKE ACTION SAMPLE STUDY & JOURNAL

LOVE IS MOVING Study Guide & Journal is designed to revive a biblical understanding and expression of love. This resource tool empowers small groups to grow in their love for God and their love for others. Journey with others across the nation in exploring God’s love through building relationships, engaging in mission and committing to reflecting the love of Jesus in everyday life. As you prepare to learn more about what love is, remember to pray and ask God to lead you closer to him and deeper in his truths.

FOR GROUPS OR PERSONAL REFLECTION
Many people spend their lives in
search of love. From the dawn of
the written word until now, there
is one topic that has captivated
the hearts and minds of poets,
teachers, preachers, songwriters,
playwrights, and filmmakers alike.

That topic is love.

Many media influences encourage
an understanding of love that is
self-focused. When you look at
your favorite music videos, lyrics,
movies, TV shows, clothing lines,
websites, commercials, ads, and
so on, you see that not only does
sex sell, but you are being told that
if you want to be accepted, liked,
have friends or receive attention,
you must buy something to make
you better. You must buy some-
thing to be loved.

A selfish understanding of love
is unhealthy. Popular media in-
fluences often lead us to believe
that love is a self-serving, sexual,
pleasure-driven feeling. Psych-
ologists and other experts in
human behavior and health have
researched and found that this
understanding of love is unhealthy.
Not only do psychologists believe
that selfishness is unhealthy, but
God’s Word also teaches that love
is not self-seeking in 1 Corinthians
13: 5. The Bible describes love as
being others focused and it is
through knowing and loving God
that we learn to love others.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

How do you define love?

Write down a few words that you might use to describe love.

____________________________
____________________________
What are some words you would
use to describe God? For example,
• A nice old man
• A mean stepfather
• A magical person far away
• Someone who loves you
• Someone who knows you
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
How do major influences, like
parents, friends, and social media
shape your understanding of love?