Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "show love" rather than just "feel love," and why is this distinction important in the Christian faith?
2. How did Jesus demonstrate active love throughout His ministry, and which of the examples from the sermon resonates most with you personally?
3. Why do you think Jesus calls us to show love especially to those who cannot repay us? How does this challenge our natural tendencies?
4. What makes loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44) such a radical command, and what specific obstacles do you face in obeying this teaching?
5. The sermon states that "loving God and loving others are two sides of the same coin." How does this truth change the way you view acts of service or kindness?
6. In what ways can showing love to others cost us, just as it cost Jesus? Share an example from your own life when love required sacrifice.
7. How does understanding that we love "because He loved us first" change our motivation for showing love to difficult people?
8. What are some practical ways we can show Christ-like love to people in our daily lives who cannot do anything for us in return?
9. The sermon describes Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, washing disciples' feet, and forgiving those who crucified Him. Which aspect of Jesus' love do you find most challenging to imitate and why?
10. How can we maintain hope, peace, and joy while actively showing love to others, especially during difficult seasons of waiting?
11. What does it mean to "start living that kingdom now" while we wait for Christ's return, and what would this look like in your specific context?
12. Who in your life right now—whether friend, stranger, or enemy—is God calling you to show active, sacrificial love toward, and what is one concrete step you can take this week?

Discussion Questions

1. How has this Advent series on hope, peace, joy, and love shaped your perspective on waiting for Christ's return?
2. The sermon mentions that Christians must look to Jesus alone to understand and define love. What are some cultural definitions of love that conflict with the love Jesus modeled?
3. Erma Bombeck's story contrasts a "warm fuzzy feeling" with love that endures bad breath. Share a time when you experienced or witnessed love that went beyond feelings to sacrificial action.
4. Jesus showed love to lepers, Roman soldiers, demon-possessed men, tax collectors, and Pharisees. Who are the modern-day equivalents of these groups, and how can we show them Christ's love?
5. The sermon states that loving others is actually loving God. How does this truth affect the way you approach everyday interactions and relationships?
6. What fears or barriers prevent you from showing love to people who are different from you or who might be considered outsiders in your community?
7. Discuss the progression in Jesus' teaching about love: loving those who love us, loving those who can't repay us, and loving our enemies. Where do you find yourself in this progression?
8. How can we as a group hold each other accountable to showing active, sacrificial love rather than just talking about it?
9. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus "lived his life showing love" while waiting for the appointed hour of his death. How does this example encourage you in your own seasons of waiting?
10. What does it look like practically to show love to someone who has hurt you or continues to oppose you? What resources does Christ provide to make this possible?
11. In what ways might our church or small group be called to demonstrate kingdom love in our local community, especially to those who cannot repay us?
12. As we conclude this Advent season, what is one specific commitment you can make to show Christ's love in the coming year, and how can this group support you?