Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. —Isaiah 5:20
It will never be easier to seek God and pull out of sin than it is right now.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. —Romans 12:9-12
“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.” —John 13:35
We make a life by what we give, not by what we earn.
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. —Romans 13:8
LOVE – Sacrificial giving of self for the highest good of others
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. …He humbled Himself… —Philippians 2:3-5,8
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. —Galatians 3:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. —Romans 8:28
Try to see the reason why God has allowed the trial in your life, and learn the lesson from it.
2 Thessalonians 2:11,12; 1 Timothy 4:1 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:22,23; 1 John 3:14 Matthew 6:1-4; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17 James 4:6; Ephesians 4:3; Matthew 25:35,36,40
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Book
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
(e-book & audiobook on Hoopla through your public library)
Books, Videos & More
gracestl.org/weekend-resources
Discussion Questions
1. People identify themselves by their career, hobbies, gender, achievements… How did Jesus say people would identify His followers?
2. Some say it is loving to honor gay relationships. What would you say to someone who argues, “Love is love”?
3. Some people find the phrase “color blind” disrespectful. Why? What is the intent of those who use the expression? How can we empathize with both the offended and those who use it out of good hearts? How is the Church, even more than America, the melting pot of the world? How does that affect you?