Going Deeper in “Loving Like Jesus”
Read the following a few times:
1 Cor 13:1-13; 1 John 4:7-12; Phillip 2:3-5; Prov 17:9
Reflect on the following:
1. Paul says love is essential to the Christian life (1 Cor. 13:1–3). Why do you think love — not knowledge, faith, or service — is the defining mark of spiritual maturity?
2. In verses 4–7, Paul describes love mostly in terms of actions and attitudes rather than feelings. What does that tell us about what love really is about? Is love a choice?
3. Which phrase in this passage challenges you most right now — patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, perseverance, or something else? Why?
4. How does pride interfere with our ability to love well?
5. Where do you see this struggle in everyday relationships?
6. What does it practically mean for love to “keep no record of being wronged”? How is that different from ignoring hurt or pretending it didn’t happen? Why is it so hard to do in real life?
7. Paul says love “rejoices with the truth” (v. 6). How can love be both gracious and truthful at the same time?
8. What kinds of behaviors make large withdrawals from a relationship’s “love bank”? Why do they carry so much weight?
9. How does receiving Christ’s love make it possible to love others more faithfully? Where do you see that connection in your life?
10. If someone observed your relationships closely, what would they learn about Christ’s love from the way you love others?
Challenges for the Week:
1. Make Intentional Deposits - Choose one relationship and make daily “love bank” deposits through encouragement, listening, or acts of service.
2. Pause Before Reacting - When frustration rises this week, pause and ask: “What would loving like Jesus look like in this moment?”
3. Repair a Relationship - If there’s a strained relationship in your life, take one small step toward reconciliation — a kind word, an apology, or reaching out.