1.) Provide clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
2.) Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.
3.) Clarify classmates’ questions and add insight to the discussion.
1.) Read John 3:16 in the message version as written at the top of this devotion, but instead of reading it about “the world” insert the word “me” or use your name to read it as God’s direct words to you. Describe your experience in doing this. What new insight did you gain from this experience?
Replacing “me” or “Katie” in the text of John 3:16 allows for a more personal experience of the verse. It is much easier to tell others that God loves them and died for their sins; yet for some reason it is much more difficult to insert ourselves into that scenario. I have done this exercise in previous small groups and it brings about emotions that may not have been felt otherwise. Yes, it is true that God loves the world, but what I must remember is that God loves me just as much as anyone else. No matter what I have done or said, He died on the cross for my sins. Even though I am completely undeserving.2.) What do you think about the idea that the Bible is a love story of a God-seeking people to be His bride? How does it change your perspective on the Bible or God’s actions and intentions to see it this way?
Many people see the Bible as a book of rules and regulations to follow. Because of this, many people are convinced that God does not really care about them. They see following God’s commands as “too restricting” or “overbearing”. However, when I think about God’s word being a story filled with love and God’s pursuit of bringing His people home; my mind shifts towards seeing God for the loving God that He is. Just as a groom pursues his bride, so God pursues His people. He wants to bring His bride home to Heaven, which we know will be fulfilled when the time is right. I have given God countless reasons to stop pursuing me, and though there were times that I pushed Him out for a time, He was always there ready to extend His love and grace towards me. 3.) What would be different about you or your relationship with God if you were able to experience the love of Jesus more? What is one thing you would like His love or your love for Him to change about you if you could?
If I were able to experience the love of Jesus more completely, my life would look different than it does right now. The closer I get towards knowing God, the more I am able to shine my light towards others. Though I do feel like I experience God right now, I know that I can only grow deeper in His love. The deeper I fall into a relationship with God; the more my life seems to fall into place. This does not mean that my life is perfect but in fact quite the opposite. The closer that I get towards Jesus, the more Satan throws attacks my way. It is by my relationship with God that I am able to resist temptations, resist acting out in anger, and overall living my life towards making Jesus known to all around me. I would like for His love to allow me to view my enemies with full love and compassion. 4.) What is one way you would like to be able to show Jesus that you love Him more?
I desire to be able to show Jesus that I love Him more through my relationships with others. At times, I become frustrated and even angry with people who have wronged me. Though there may be validity to my frustrations, it is not right that I act out in any wrong or ill-intended manner. Showing Jesus that I love Him means loving His creation. God created all human beings in his image (Genesis 1:27). If every person alive on this earth is God’s creation, I should treat everyone that I encounter with complete equality and value. Discussion 2:
Read John 3:16 in the message version as written at the top of this devotion, but instead of reading it about “the world” insert the word “me” or use your name to read it as God’s direct words to you. Describe your experience in doing this. What new insight did you gain from this experience?
This experience was unique to me because I think it is easier for us to read someone else’s name put in there compared to putting our own in there. I felt like that putting my name in there changed the tune of the verse and it made me feel a bit more empowered. I also found this statement powerful before entering my own name, so I am not going to say it completely changed much for me. God wanted this to be impactful no matter whose name was put in there.
What do you think about the idea that the Bible is a love story of a God seeking people to be His bride? How does it change your perspective on the Bible or God’s actions and intentions to see it this
What is one way you would like to be able to show Jesus that you love Him more?
I would like to be able to show Jesus I love him through helping beings in their time of need. I recently had the neighbors next door come over to my house daily for dinner and to cool off. They had hit a rough spot in life and had their kids with them. I have been helping people and animals my whole life trying to show the love I have for the life Jesus and God has granted me. I think going to church would help show Jesus I love him more and doing more kind things to praise and appreciate him.