01-29-2023 This is Living - Loving

ICEBREAKER
What made you feel most loved when you were a child?
 
We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Mark 12 where Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is and he responds with Love.
REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read Mark 12:28-34.

1. Love God
   As you recall from this week's message, what does it mean to love God ...
   1. With all your "heart"? What are some examples of loving God with all your heart?
      In the Bible, the heart is the seat of the will from which all your thoughts, feelings, and passions come.
   2. With all your "soul"? What are some examples of loving God with all your soul?
      The soul is the very presence of life and conscientiousness. It's your very breath.
   3. With all your "mind"? What are some examples of loving God with all your mind?
      The mind is where your thinking processes and beliefs reside.
   4. With all your "strength"? What are some examples of loving God with all your strength?
      Your strength has to do with your physical capability—whatever you're capable of.
2. Love Others
   Discuss ways that we can show love to ...
   1. Our Families
      1. We often say "I love you" in passing. What are some ways we can truly demonstrate that love to our children? Our spouses? Our parents and siblings?
      2. Do you know what your love language is? 
         If not, you can learn about them here.
         You can take the quiz here.
         1. Do you know your spouses or children's love languages?
         2. How can you better communicate love to your family in their love language?
   2. Our Neighbors
      1. Do get along with your neighbor next door? Do you have disagreements with them? How can you show more love to them?
      2. Review Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans were geographic neighbors but had many religious and political differences.
         1. With what people do we/you have religious and political differences? Name them out loud.
         2. In what ways can we/you demonstrate greater love for them?
   3. Our Enemies
      1. Who were the enemies of the Jewish people in the day of Jesus? What did they do?
      2. Who would you identify as our "enemies" today? What do they do?
      3. How are we to love our enemies?
      4. What might be the difference between loving them and trusting them?
3. Love Yourself
   1. Unhealthy love for self might be
      1. Loving oneself too much. How do we see this in our lives?
      2. Loving oneself too little. How doe we see this in our lives?
   2. Healthy love for self is seeing yourself from God's perspective. If God can love me, I can love me.
      1. What does a healthy love for self look like?
      2. How is our love for self influenced by our love for God?
      3. How is our love for neighbor influenced by our love for self?

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can pray about what you just discussed. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.