Scripture
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1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
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1 John 4:7-12
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Romans 5:5
Questions
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Are we really supposed to love others like God loves us?
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What does it look like to lay down our lives for the brothers?
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If we love someone, will we want him or her to go to heaven?
Thoughts
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When we love someone, we will try to do what is best for him. Jesus did what was best for us when He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. But it was uncomfortable for Him. He suffered physically and emotionally and spiritually. He suffered even more than Job, much more. For you and me.
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We are to love like God. We cannot do it in our own strength, but the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22).
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If we love like God, we will lead people to Jesus because we love them and want what is best for them. For everybody on earth, it is best to go to heaven, to experience everlasting and abundant life through Jesus. It might not be easy. It might be uncomfortable. But we will try.
Action Items
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Write down the names of one or more people you love who might not know Jesus.
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Pray about how you can make a difference.
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Review John 4:34 and Matthew 4:19.
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