2. LOVE Respond to the following statement from pages 42-43 in SPLASH. “Genuine love breaks down walls of resistance and prepares people to hear the good news that God loves them even in their sin and rebellion.” Christ’s love compels us to share His love with others. God has “given” each of us the ministry of reconciliation and He has “committed to us” the ministry of reconciliation. That means we are to carry on the work of Christ, reconciling sinful man to a loving God. In order for us to carry on the ministry of reconciliation we need to understand more about love; God’s love.

3. LOVE God is love. 1 John 4:7-9, 16 “All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 In His farewell address Jesus indicates that love will characterize His disciples. John 13:34-35

4. LOVE Love is not just a feeling. 1 Cor.13:4-7 Love is the character of God produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:9-10 “Love must be without hypocrisy.” Paul lists meeting needs, practicing hospitality, blessing when persecuted, celebrating accomplishments of others, associating with the humble, doing good to your enemy.

5. LOVE Luke 10:27-29 An expert of the law attempts to avoid the obvious implication of love by asking. “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with story of Good Samaritan – love in action. Who is your neighbor? In your small groups, make a list of people you should consider to be your neighbor.

6. Love the least lovely Luke 6:27-28 “But I say to you who listen; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Jesus leaves nothing to speculation. He speaks of turning the other cheek and giving the shirt when someone takes your coat.

7. Love the least lovely The penetrating question – “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” Luke 6:32

8. Learn from the Master Jesus treated an outcast woman at the well with respect and tenderness. He touched a leper. He wept over the death of His friend Lazarus and the unbelief of his friends. He went home with a tax collector and allowed a fallen woman to wash His feet with tears.

9. Learn from the Master When the woman taken in adultery was brought to Him, He turned all attention away from her nakedness, restoring her dignity. He then requires that she abandon sin.

10. Expression of love What is unique about the love of God? Which story in the Gospels most demonstrates God’s love to you? Look at Romans 12:9-21. List the concrete expressions of love enumerated by Paul.

11. Expression of love How do they provide an opportunity for evangelism? In the last session you identified persons who need God’s love. What concrete action will you take this week to show love? In your small group list ideas that your church and you individually can do to express love.