Fruit of the Spirit Study: LOVE

Hi Ladies,

I was looking for a study to do an I came across a book my friend gave me called "Fruit of the Spirit" (by InterActions/Small group series). This is the first of the studies for the Fruit of the Spirit (the next ones to follow are Joy, Peace, Patience, Sensitivity, & Faithfulness)

You will have as many partners as who signs up! Please read the scriptures and the text below and answer the following questions and email them to your partners within 2 weeks. Anyone from Bible Study is allowed to join. Please let me know if you have any questions about this swap, I'll be happy to reply!

It takes an enormous amount of courage to enter the character battles that Scripture challenges us to fight. I would like to propose that treating other as more important than yourself is one of the best definitions of love I have ever heard. I get so tired of superficial definitions of love. They seem to change with the seasons.

Love is a gentle smile.

Love is finding someone's space that is similar to your own.

Love is standing up in a church service and shaking hands with people.

Love is feeling warm and sentimental toward other believers.

Love is the feeling you get when you are near someone attractive.

This is all lightweight, hollow stuff. The Bible cuts through all the haze and says that if you want one clear definition of what love is, treat every person as though they were more important than you. This means you should treat family members, friends, employees, minorities, Republicans, and Democrats as though they are more important than you are. It means you should learn to honor others. To hold them in high esteem. To respect them. To believe they have something to contribute to your life.

1. How would you have defined love at one of the following times in your life:

• When you were a child

• When you were a teenager

• When you were a young adult

How has your understanding of love changed over the years?

2. Read Philippians 2:1-11

What does this passage teach about what love looks like?

3. Wht has Jesus done to model perfect love for us?

4. How have you experienced the transforming power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life since becoming a follower of Christ?

5. Describe a time when you did not fully cooperate with the Spirit's work or prompting. What were the consequences?

6. Choose one area below and list a practical way you can show love by putting the needs of others ahead of your own needs:

• Your home

• Your workplace

• Your neighborhood

• Your small group

• Your church

• Your community