We love because he loved first1 John 4:7-21Length: Standard

1 Eat

Read the passage slowly, read it again, then retell it in your own words. If you can't retell it, read it once more.

• Read
• Reread
• Retell

2 Digest

Answer from what the passage actually says — stay in the text.

1. What does this passage show me about God?

   • John says "God is love." Where in this passage do you see God loving first, before anyone has loved him?
   • What does this passage say perfect love does with fear?

2. What does it show me about people — and about myself?

   • Do you come to God mostly afraid of punishment, mostly because you need something, or because you want him? Answer honestly; this is to locate you, not to condemn you.

3. What will I obey this week? (a concrete step, with a day)

   • John says whoever loves God must also love his brother. Whom will you love in a practical way this week, and on what day?

4. Who will I tell?

   • Who do you know who relates to God mainly through fear? How could you tell them that he loved them first?

3 Grow

Growth is God's part, not yours. Do the cycle faithfully and trust Him to give the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).