Feel free to just use these questions rather than the entire guide.
Why is it so hard to love people?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, thinking about people with whom you disagree. How can this passage stretch you beyond your current beliefs, understanding, or experience?
Read 1 John 4:7–8. How can growing in our understanding of God also help us better understand and demonstrate His love? (See also 1 Corinthians 13:11.)
Spend time praying together for unity in our families, communities, church, and throughout the world. Ask God to help you reflect His love more and more as you grow in your faith.
Group Reconnect
Have you ever attempted a taxing physical challenge like running a half marathon? What did you learn from that experience?
What’s one thing we would never guess about you?
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Clickhere.
Message Recap
In today’s culture, it’s easy to become entangled in divisive issues. However, Faith That Works is centered on loving all people. Love is a big deal to God, and in 1 Corinthians 13, He gives us a clear picture of what love looks like. Pastor Albert Tate called out similarities between the Corinthian church and current believers, challenging us to ask ourselves how well we love others—especially those who are not like us.
Discussion Questions
Why is it so hard to love people?
Read Matthew 22:36–40. How does this passage explain what Albert Tate called “vertical and horizontal love”?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, thinking about people with whom you disagree. How can this passage stretch you beyond your current beliefs, understanding, or experience?
Read John 13:34–35. We often try to identify Jesus-followers by traits other than love. What are some of those traits, and how can this practice lead to disunity?
Read 1 John 4:7–8. How can growing in our understanding of God also help us better understand and demonstrate His love? (See also 1 Corinthians 13:11.)
Spend time praying together for unity in our families, communities, church, and throughout the world. Ask God to help you reflect His love more and more as you grow in your faith.
Live it Out
Prayerfully read 1 Corinthians 13. Ask God to bring to mind someone it’s hard to love or one characteristic of love that’s lacking in your life right now. Talk to God about it. Ask Him to help you see and love others as He does.
What’s one practical step you can take this week to show love to someone you find hard to love?
Is there another way God is calling you to live out the message this week?
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
