Compassion International
Last week we learned to pursue more of his voice and studied verses about to help us identify the authentic voice of God.
We had some great discussions about the sheep, shepherd, gatekeeper and pasture! We even enjoyed some inspirational photos of sheep and the shepherd!
This week we’re going to pursue more of His courage.
In the next five days we’ll Pursue More of Jesus by reading the gospel of John, Chapter 15 verses seventeen through twenty-seven as we pursue more of his courage.
While the Day One lesson is a short verse with few words, it’s meaning is so important that Anne Graham Lotz devoted an entire day of study to this command.
Session Two Schedule
- Day 1-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:17)
- Day 2-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:18-19)
- Day 3-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:20-21)
- Day 4-Courage to Stand Out (John 15:22-25)
- Day 5-Courage to Speak Up (John 15:26-27)
- Day 6-Recommended: Audio Session Two
Today’s Scripture Verse
This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17 (NIV)
But remember the root command: Love one another. John 15:17 (The Message)
These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:17 (English Standard Version)
Prayer Requests
Father, you’ve commanded us to love one another. Open our eyes to this root command, show us more of his courage and teach us your word. Amen.
Individual Activity
Complete pages 33-35 in your workbook.
It helps to understand today’s lesson if you read the beginning of John 15 as Jesus talks about the vine and the branches.
Group Activity
What did you learn from John 15:17? There are few words in this verse, and the longer we think about them, the more we discover. What did you discover?
Post a comment to share your thoughts about John 15:17.
I have found as most of us have that it is easy to love our family, friends and even acquaintances like the grocery store clerk. I have also found that I have a harder time with people that are mean, incompetent and irritating. I have to step back and remember that I do not have to like these people.
I don’t believe that Jesus liked all the people that he came across. I DO have to treat them with love and respect. I understand that in this era respect is earned not just freely given. So instead of respect, which seems to be more of a way to look at a superior, I am going to say What about Common Courtesy? I so want to be treat with courtesy…I need to remember that as I deal with people in my life.
When I am not acting in Love- I hear God’s voice in my heart. Reminding me of LOVE….It makes me aware of my actions. It is a gentle feeling of being ashamed that washes over me. Ashamed not Condemned. It reminds me that I am suppose to Love Everyone.