Message—Love Lets Go
Week of February 1, 2009

Thematic Focus
The Bible identifies genuine marks of love for the challenging people in our lives. Identify the people who are hard to love for you and learn how God wants you to respond.

Main Points
The different types of challenging people:

1. Difficult People-drive you crazy
2. Demanding People-push you around
3. Disappointing People-let you down
4. Destructive People-intentionally hurt you

How to love the challenging people in your life (1 Corinthians 13:5)
- Love is not rude (be tactful).
- Love is not self-seeking (listen).
- Love is not easily angered (be gentle).
- Love keeps no record of wrongs (delete).

Summary Points
God uses challenging people to deepen our understanding of love. It doesn't take strength to let go, it takes faith.

 Scriptural Lenses:
· 1 Corinthians 13
· Titus 3:1-2
· Philippians 2:1-7
· Galatians 6:1
· Romans 14:12-13

Pursuing clarity
Use the following structure to guide your discussion:

Opening Prayer
Take a moment to recognize Christ’s presence among you.

Opening Question
How does the truth that Christ has forgiven us influence how we respond to challenging people?

Scriptural Focus
Select a Scripture you would like to focus on.

Group Discussion
Use these questions to begin your discussion:

1. The way we say something affects the way it is received. Is this true? Discuss.
2. What are some practical ways we can be kind to people who are rude?
3. How do kind and gentle words reveal our commitment to Christ?
4. Discuss how small acts of kindness and expressions of courtesy can lead people to seek Christ.
5. What is the difference between judgment and being judgmental? How can this impact the approach we take with others?
6. Think about situations where you have limited influence or are under someone else's authority (e.g. a neighbor or boss). How can we show God's love?
7. How would you respond to the statement, "It doesn't take strength to let go, it takes faith?"