THE LOVE OF GOD

MONDAY: Read I John 4:7-21

How many times is “love” mentioned in this passage? From where did love come?
How did God show his love for us?
How God’s love is made complete in us?
Who does God call a liar?

FAITH STEP: How can you put the sacrificial love God describes here in practice at your job or school? In your relationships at church? At home?

TUESDAY: Characteristics of God’s love

Read the following passages. How is God’s love for his people described?
Isaiah 49:15, 16; Zephaniah 3:17, Jeremiah 31:3, Ephesians 2:4

FAITH STEP: Write a note to God thanking him for his love for you

WEDNESDAY: God’s love seen in Hosea (Hosea is a great book that dhows the greatness of God’s love. You may want to do some research to get some background on this book as we have a small look into this book.)

Read Hosea 1:1-11. Why Does God command Hosea to marry and adulteress?
What do the name’s of Gomer’s three children mean? How do you think people would react to these children’s name?

FAITH STEPS: God uses the marriage metaphor to describe His people’s relationship to Him. Using that same metaphor, how would you describe your relationship to God? Stronger than ever? I have been unfaithful? We are “going through the motions”?

THURSDAY: Read Hosea 2:1-23

In verses 2:2-13: How does Hosea feel about Gomer? How does he want to punish her?
What does God tell Hosea to do in Hosea 3:1-5. What would be the toughest part of what Hosea had to do? What do you think his friends thought? What lesson is God teaching us about his love?

FAITH STEP: When did God “buy you back” so you could have a loving relationship with him? Who did God use to lead you to Him?

FRIDAY: Hosea 11:1-11 Describes God’s love for His people. See what we can learn from this passage about God’s love

In verses 1-4 what images does God use to describe his love?
How does God’s person respond to His love (verses 5-7)?
How does God react to their rebellion (verse 8-9)?
How does God show his love (verses 11-12)?

FAITH STEP: Have you ever had to discipline your children? How can administering discipline be a loving act? Discuss that concept with your children. Has God ever had to discipline you? What comfort do you take in God’s enduring love for His children?

SATURDAY: Hosea 14

How does promise to love His people who repent and return to Him (verse 4)?
Read Titus 3:3-7. By what were we enslaved according to Paul? Why did God save us? What should our response to God’s love be?

FAITH STEP: Looking at this passage what do you see as God’s purpose for your life? What can you change to better fulfill that purpose?