Discussion Questions

1. When was the first time you fell in love? What was it like? How did you feel about the wellbeing of the person that you loved?
2. Read John 3:16–17 and Revelation 1:1–6. What factor does love play in God’s interactions with us and the world? How would you define this kind of “L=love?”
3. Read Revelation 2:3–5. In this letter Jesus says that this church has forgotten its first love in its fight for sound teaching. What do you think Jesus means here? What should be the first love of every Christian?
4. Read 1 John 4:9–12 & 16–19. According to these passages,
   1. What is love and what are its characteristics?
   2. Where does it come from?
   3. How can we live it out here and now?

Confession

Loving God, everything you do is rooted in your love for us. We confess that we have not consistently loved you first. Our love has turned inward and we have sought to meet our own needs and desires first. Our hearts have been cold at times, and we have not loved you and others as you have commanded. Forgive us, and fill us with your perfect love that overflows to others and never runs out. Amen.