Advent: Real love in a counterfeit world
As we continued our Real Advent series last week, we focused on the theme of love, exploring the complexities of receiving and giving love.
Many of us struggle to open our hearts to love due to past wounds, feelings of unworthiness, or fear of rejection. As Pastor Jake explained, these barriers can hinder our relationships with others and with God.
However, the love of God, as demonstrated through Jesus, offers healing and restoration. God’s love is not just a concept to be understood intellectually but an experience to be felt deeply. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are invited to experience God’s love in a transformative way that can heal our deepest wounds and reshape our understanding of worthiness and acceptance.
In 1 John 4, we are reminded that God’s love was made manifest through Jesus, who came to earth to demonstrate the depth of God’s love for us. This love is not contingent on our actions or worthiness but is a gift freely given. By embracing this love, we can overcome our fears and insecurities, allowing God’s love to flow through us and into our relationships with others.
As we open ourselves to this divine love, we are called to let it transform us, enabling us to love others more fully and authentically.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a time when you struggled to receive love due to past experiences. How can you begin to address these barriers in light of God’s unconditional love?
- Consider the ways you might have a skewed view of God due to past experiences. How can you actively work to reshape this view through prayer and scripture?
- Identify a specific area in your life where you feel unworthy of love. How can embracing God’s redemption help you overcome these feelings?
- Pastor Jake talked about opening ourselves to God’s love through the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take this week to invite more of God’s love into your life?
- How can you apply the understanding of God’s love as a gift freely given to improve your relationships with others?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from December 15
- “O Come All Ye Faithful”
- “He Shall Reign Forevermore”
- “No Other Name”
- “Reckless Love” (after the message)
- “How Marvelous” (after the message)