1 John 4:8–10 (NLT) 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Love is something God , not just something he does. John 17:24 (NLT) Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! A threefold in God’s love: 1. God’s universal love toward things. Psalm 145:9 (NLT) The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. 2. God’s unexpected love toward his . Matthew 5:44–47 (NLT) 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven…46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 3. God’s love toward his people. 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. What is real love? 1 John 4:10 (NLT) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us… Four Kinds of Love Greek NT words for love : 1. Eros: Romantic or passionate. 2. Philia: Affectionate, friendship appreciation. 3. Storge: Familial or natural affection. 4. Agape: Unconditional, selfless giving. Love is a self-giving or self-sacrificing that results in action. 1 John 4:10 (NLT) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. God doesn’t just say he loves us, he us. 1 John 4:9 (NLT) God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. What now? Never base your opinion of God’s love for you on how you feel. Prove to the world you’re a disciple of Jesus — love one another. John 13:34–35 (NLT) 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. How do you think our culture defines or understands what love is? 2. What type of person (enemy?) do you struggle most to love? OR a. Have you ever come across “disciples” of Jesus who are so unloving that you doubted they could be Christians? 3. How might it help you love people better by focusing on “real love” — aka the self-sacrificing love Jesus showed for you?