Small Group 4/11/24

Opening

Prayer: Start with an opening prayer, asking God to guide the discussion and open everyone's hearts to His teachings. Introduction: Briefly summarize the sermon’s theme, relating the strength and interconnectedness of Redwood trees to our call to be rooted in love and unity within the body of Christ.

Discussion Sections

Healthy Roots Grow Through Unconditional Love

Scripture: Read John 13:34-35

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Discussion Questions:

How can we practically love one another unconditionally in our community?

What barriers do we face in showing this kind of love, and how can we overcome them?

Share a time when you experienced or witnessed unconditional love within the church.

How did it impact the community?

Healthy Roots Grow Through Sacrificial Love

Scripture: Read Philippians 2:5-8

Philippians 2:5–8 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Discussion Questions:

What does sacrificial love look like in our daily lives?

Can you share an instance where you or someone you know demonstrated sacrificial love?

What was the outcome?

How can we encourage each other to live out this kind of love more consistently?

Healthy Roots Grow Through Forgiving Love

Scripture: Read Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Discussion Questions:

Why is forgiveness essential in the Christian community?

Discuss a time forgiveness led to healing and growth in a relationship.

How can we cultivate a culture of forgiveness in our group and church?

Application

Personal Reflection:

Encourage each person to think about their own "roots" – are they deepening in Christ's love through unconditional, sacrificial, and forgiving love?

Action Step: Ask members to commit to one action this week that demonstrates one of the aspects of love discussed.

Prayer Requests: Share any personal prayer requests or prayers for the wider community and church.

Closing

Prayer: Close with a prayer, asking for God's help to apply what has been discussed, to grow deeper in love, and to become more interconnected with each other, mirroring the unity and strength of Redwood trees rooted in Jesus.