Loving God and Loving Others

We love because He first loved us. Eleven gatherings to see Him, love Him, and live for Him.

Tap a letter or number to open its card.

Start here (a–c)Arm ↑

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Story: The Father Who Runs ~ Luke 15:11-32

Is this the father you have known? Is this the God you have believed in?
The father loved his son before he said sorry. Can you let God love you like that?

God is:

Loving (John 3:16)
Father (Romans 8:15)
Merciful (Ephesians 2:4)
Seeing (Luke 19:1-10)

But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born … of God. John 1:12-13

Story: The Son Who Came Home ~ Luke 15:11-32

The son said he was not worthy. The father called him his son. Which do you believe?
He came to work. The father made him a son. Are you working or receiving?

I am:

God’s Child (John 1:12)
Loved First (1 John 4:19)
Forgiven (1 John 1:9)
Held in His hand (John 10:28-29)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart … This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39

Story: Mary Sits with Jesus ~ Luke 10:38-42

Martha was distracted with much serving. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Which is more like you today?
Jesus told Martha that Mary chose what is better. What holds you back?

I love God:

Because he loved me first (1 John 4:19)
First, before all else (Matthew 22:37-38)
With all I am (Deuteronomy 6:5)
So I love others (1 John 4:21)

How to Use This Handout See Him → Love Him → Live for Him

Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead.
Minister TO the Lord together. For this time, ask for nothing. Be with Him for who He is. Thank Him that He loved you first.
Since we last met: How did you love Jesus? Who did you share Jesus with?
Use one card each time, in order: a, b, c, then 1–8.
See Him Read the verse aloud. Read the story from the Bible.
Close the Bible. Take turns retelling it, three times. Sit quietly.
Read the card’s bold list. Point to its letter or number on the arm above. Is this loving God, loving others, or both?
Love Him Ask the questions. After answers, ask: “What does that show you about the God who is with you?”
Live for Him Ask each person: How will you show Jesus you love Him this week? Who will you share Jesus with?
Pray for strength to love and obey Him. Bless each other.

The eight commands (1–8)Arm ↑

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:37-38

Story: Mary Anoints Jesus ~ John 12:1-8

Mary wanted only Jesus. When did you last come to God asking nothing?
Tell him now who he is to you.

I love God by:

Being with him (Luke 10:42)
Adoring him for who he is (Psalm 145:3)
Desiring him above all (Psalm 73:25)

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39

Story: The Good Samaritan ~ Luke 10:25-37

The Samaritan stopped to help a stranger. Who near you needs your help this week?
Jews and Samaritans were enemies (John 4:9). The Samaritan still stopped to help. Who is hard for you to love? Pray for them now.

I love others by:

Serving my neighbor (1 John 3:18)
Praying for my enemies (Matthew 5:44)
Caring for other believers (John 13:34-35)

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Story: The Day of Pentecost ~ Acts 2:36-41

The people were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. What do you need to turn away from to follow Jesus?
The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him (Luke 11:13). Ask him now.

I follow Jesus by:

Trusting him (John 3:16)
Turning from sin to God (Acts 3:19)
Receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… Matthew 28:19

Story: Philip Baptizes the Ethiopian ~ Acts 8:26-39

The man asked, “What is keeping me from being baptized?” What stops you?
Who can you help to be baptized?

I obey by:

Being baptized myself (Acts 2:38)
Living a new life (Romans 6:4)
Helping believers be baptized (Matthew 28:19)

This is my body which is given for you.
Do this in memory of me. Luke 22:19

Story: The Last Supper ~ Luke 22:7-20

Jesus gave his body and blood for you. What does this show you about his love?
Before you eat, examine your heart. What do you need to tell God?

I take the Lord’s Supper by:

Remembering his sacrifice (Luke 22:19)
Examining my heart (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Proclaiming his death (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Whatever you will ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Story: A Lame Man Walks ~ Acts 3:1-10

Peter had no money, but he had Jesus’ name. What will you ask Jesus for today?
Who will you pray for in Jesus’ name this week?

I pray in Jesus’ name by:

Coming boldly through Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Asking according to his will (1 John 5:14)
Trusting him to answer (Mark 11:24)

Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Story: The Widow’s Offering ~ Mark 12:41-44

Jesus saw the widow’s small gift. What does this show you about what he values?
Who can you give to this week?

I give generously by:

Giving cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Giving to those in need (Proverbs 19:17)
Giving God the first and best of what I receive (Proverbs 3:9)

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20

Story: Andrew Brings His Brother ~ John 1:40-42

Andrew told his brother about Jesus. Who can you tell?
Someone helped you follow Jesus. Who can you help?

I make disciples by:

Going to others (Matthew 28:19)
Telling what Jesus did for me (Mark 5:19-20)
Teaching them to obey Jesus (Matthew 28:20)