True Love
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Think of a time when a friend showed love for you in a special way. How did that make you feel? How
did you respond?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the
law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear
false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this
saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love
is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for
now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. What is the one debt we owe to each other?
Question 2. Loving others is not an option, something we can do when it is convenient or when others
treat us well. Loving others is our responsibility. Our lives are indebted to Christ because of what he did for
us on the cross. Although we can never repay him, we demonstrate our appreciation by showing God's love to others.
3. What one rule sums up the whole law?
4. Write in your own words how this passage describes true love.
5. What does Paul mean when he describes believers as “people who belong to the day”?
6. How can we “put on” or “clothe” ourselves with the Lord Jesus?
Question 6. Give group members time to think through what it means to “clothe yourself with the Lord
Jesus” and how to apply it to daily life. It may help to read these passages: Galatians 3:26, 27; Ephesians 4:22–24;
Colossians 3:9–17.
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
We aren't always sure ourselves what we mean when we use the term love. That word has become one of
the most widely misused words in our language. We use the word love to describe the basest as well as the most
exalted of human relationships. We say we “love” to travel, we “love” to eat chocolate cake, we “love” our new
car, or the pattern in the wallpaper in our home. Why, we even say we “love” our neighbors—but most of us don't
do much more than just say it and let it go at that! No wonder we don't have a very clear idea of what the Bible
means when it says: “God is Love.”
Don't make the mistake of thinking that because God is Love that everything is going to be sweet, beautiful,
and happy and that no one will be punished for his sins. God's holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God's
love provides the plan and way of redemption for sinful man. God's love is the cross of Jesus, by which man can
have forgiveness and cleansing. It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross!
Never question God's great love, for it is as unchangeable a part of God as His holiness. No matter how terrible
your sins, God loves you. Were it not for the love of God, none of us would ever have a chance in the future life.
But God is Love and his love for us is everlasting!
(From Peace with God by Billy Graham)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. What are some of the misconceptions people have about love?
8. How is God's view of love different from the world's view?
Question 8. The group can learn more about God's view of love by reading Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; 14:15;
16:27; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; Ephesians 2:4, 5 and 1 John 3:1; 4:7–21. You may select several of these
passages for group members to read aloud.
9. Why is it important that we love others?
Prayer
God, help us to show your love to those around us. Open our eyes to people who are in desperate need of a loving
touch. Let our lives be testimonies of your love for us, so that when people see us, they will feel your love for
them.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
What motivates me to love others? What prevents me from loving others?
Additional Questions
10. How do you usually respond to the “unlovable people” in our society?
11. In what ways do you demonstrate your love for your friends?
12. Think of a person who needs to feel God's love. How can you demonstrate God's love to that person?
For more Bible passages on loving others, see John 15:9–13; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:13, 14; Ephesians
5:1, 2; Colossians 3:12–14; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11–23; 4:7, 8.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 13:1–14.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
