Leader Guide
This week we continued our series, The Tension, by looking at the first two Core Values of The Cove: Love God Passionately and Love People Unconditionally. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment. Rather than choosing one, he connected two: loving God and loving people. Jesus teaches that these are not competing priorities but inseparable. The closer we grow to God, the more we should reflect His love in the way we treat others.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. If you could instantly become highly skilled at one hobby, trade, or activity, what would it be and why?
2. Read Matthew 22:34-40. Why were the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus with this question? Why did Jesus refuse to choose one over the other? Have you ever seen someone emphasize one of these commands over the other? What were the results?
Leader: Jesus knew the scribes/lawyers of that time were trying to trip Him up. Even though all the religious groups disagreed on most things, they agreed Jesus needed to be quieted. They wanted Jesus to rank commandments and create a debate. Instead, Jesus showed the two are inseparable. Everything hangs on these two commands.
3. Read John 14:15. How is obedience different from simply having good intentions? Why do you think we use the word “love" for so many different things? How does this show us that feelings and preferences change over time?
Leader: Feelings will come and go, but biblical love is demonstrated through obedience and surrender. Loving God involves trusting Him enough to follow him even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
4. Read Philippians 4:8. Why does God place such importance on what we think about? What are some things in our culture that influence our thinking? How does what fills our minds affect the way we treat others?
Leader: Paul reminds believers that our thoughts matter. Loving God with all our minds means intentionally focusing on His truth. What consistently occupies our thoughts eventually shapes our thoughts, and eventually shapes our attitudes, decisions and actions.
5. Read John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. When people think of Christians today, what characteristics do you think often come to mind? According to Jesus, what should identify His followers to the world? Which characteristic of biblical love comes most naturally to you, and which one challenges you the most right now?
Leader: Jesus taught that love should be the defining characteristic of His followers. Biblical love is more than a feeling; it is a daily choice. We are called to reflect the character of Christ through patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice. As we grow in our love for God, that love should be increasingly visible in the way we treat others.
Action Step: This week, slowly read through 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 and talk with God about each characteristic of love. As you read, ask questions like: “Where am I struggling to show patience?” Where am I lacking kindness?” or “Who am I having difficulty loving in this way?” Allow God to reveal areas where you need to grow and ask Him to help you love that person the way He loves you.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Luke 9:23-24. What does Jesus mean when He says we must “deny ourselves” and “take up our cross daily”? What it the difference between believing in Jesus and surrendering to Jesus? Where do you currently feel tension between what you want and what God is asking of you?