Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children." Matthew 19:14(NCV)
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35(NLT)
How do I love like Jesus?
- I NEED A BETTER EXAMPLE
"Just as I..."
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1(NIV)
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."John 13:15(NIV)
Action Plan: Read Luke 14:1-14. This week, think about Jesus' teaching on humbling yourself. Give yourself one area where you can put this into practice this week.
- I NEED A STRONGER FOUNDATION
"I have loved you..."
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1(NLT)
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love." John 15:9(MSG)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2(NIV)
Action Plan: Choose one new way to continue growing deep roots throughout the week. Listen toDrivetime Devotions, watch or listen toDoable Discipleship, or watchFoundations online.
- I NEED A HIGHER PURPOSE
"Your love will prove you are my disciples"
Parenting must have a purpose higher than itself!
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1(NIV)
Children are a gift from the Lord. Psalm 127:3a(NLT)
"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD." 1 Samuel 1:27-28(ESV/NASB)
Action Plan: Choose one of the above verses (Psalm 115:1, Psalm 127:3, or 1 Samuel 1:27-28) to memorize this week. Send one or all of these verses to a parent you know as an encouragement this week.
- I NEED A GREATER POWER
"Love each other"
We love, because He first loved us. I John 4:19(NIV)
I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. Philippians 4:13(NCV)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3(NIV)
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship wraps up the series on relationships, looking at the call to love others as you want to be loved. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
