Theme

How does love as identity shape our actions?

Questions

• What do you think it means to be a loving person? How do you recognise a loving person?
• Twice John says: God is love (v.8, 16). Why do you think John tell us about God, as well as speaking about how we should love one another (think especially about v.16)?
• In what ways does God show his love for humanity (v.9-10 & 14, compare with John 3:16-17)?
• Does knowing that you are loved by God motivate you to love (look at v. 7-8 & 19)?
• Compare v.12 with John 1:18 – they use similar language.
  • What does John 1:18 say about how God is made known in the world?
  • What does v.12 say about God’s love completing his purpose in us (look also at v.16-18)?
• Knowing that we live in God is reinforced by the giving of God’s Spirit (v.13). Look at the list of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-25 – these qualities grow in us as the Spirit works. How do these qualities reflect a life of love?
• How easy is it to put love into action? Look at Luke 6:32-36 – what do you find challenging about Jesus’ teaching?
• John mentions hating a brother or sister in several places in this letter:
  • Compare what he says is v.20, with 1 John 2:9-11 and 1 John 3:14-15. In what ways is hate spiritually and relationally destructive?
  • What difference is there between hating someone and disliking someone? Is it possible to love someone you dislike? How does what Paul says in Romans 12:9-21 build on what John in saying in 1 John 4:7-14?

• Is John saying that love is something we do in our actions, or something that we are in our being? Does it matter whether there a difference, as long as it expresses loving actions?

• In Christ I can Love is the theme for this week. How did this passage help you think about loving others as part of your identity? Did you learn something new, or were you challenged by something in particular?